The recent helicopter crash in the Hudson River has left six individuals dead, including a family of five from Spain and the pilot. As authorities worked to retrieve the aircraft from the waters, the tragic identities of the victims began to unfold.
Victims of the Helicopter Crash
Among those lost in the accident is Agustin Escobar Canadas, a 49-year-old executive at Siemens, alongside his wife, 39-year-old Mercè Campruví Montal, and their three children: Victor Escobar Campruvi, aged 4, Mercedes Escobar Campruvi, aged 9, and an unidentified child.
Prior to boarding the helicopter for their sightseeing tour, the Escobar family captured a moment by taking a photo on the helipad. They were reportedly visiting New York City for a birthday celebration, as confirmed by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who offered condolences to the grieving relatives.
Background of the Escobar Family
According to the mayor and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Agustin Escobar was in the region for business purposes related to Siemens, where he held a prestigious position as the global CEO for rail infrastructure. His family had flown in to celebrate their son’s birthday on Friday, coinciding with Mother’s Day for Mercè, who was commemorating her upcoming 40th birthday.
Siemens released a statement expressing their sorrow over this loss: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in which Agustin Escobar and his family lost their lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones.”
Details on the Pilot
The helicopter was piloted by 36-year-old Sean Johnson, a Navy veteran, who also lost his life in the crash. Known for his exceptional flying skills, he had recently transitioned to working in aerial firefighting. His friend and mentor, Earl Watters, shared his heartbreak over Johnson’s passing.
Watters remarked, “He was first off an incredible friend. He had really good pilot skills for his point in his career… most importantly, he would help anybody.”
Circumstances of the Crash
The flight took off at 3 p.m. from the Wall Street heliport and was headed towards prominent sites, including the Statue of Liberty. Tragically, approximately 18 minutes into the tour, the helicopter encountered difficulties. Reports suggest that it lost control shortly after turning near the George Washington Bridge, crashing into the water just offshore from Hoboken.
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing moment when they saw the aircraft fall, imaging showing it inverted as it descended toward the river. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have initiated an investigation to uncover the specifics of the incident.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy extended her condolences to the affected families, revealing that the helicopter had not been receiving air traffic support at the time of the incident.
Investigation and Aftermath
The aircraft, a Bell 206 owned by Meridian Helicopters, had previously operated without incident; however, there was a noted emergency landing by another helicopter from the same company in 2013, which prompted regulatory scrutiny due to maintenance issues.
In response to the tragedy, the CEO of New York Helicopter, Michael Roth, expressed his devastation, stating, “We’re a small company, and we’re just devastated.” The loss of lives in this calamity has left a profound impact not just on the family and friends of the victims, but on the wider community.
As families begin the process of repatriating the bodies of the victims back to Spain, the community, alongside international figures such as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, mourns the loss and joins in extending condolences to those impacted by this tragic event.