Heartbreaking helicopter crash kills family of five visiting NYC from Spain

A Spanish family of five was killed when their helicopter crashed into the Hudson River during a sightseeing tour in New York City, with new details revealing the pilot had reported low fuel shortly before the crash.

What was supposed to be a magical family outing in one of the world’s most iconic cities became a nightmare. Agustín Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children—ages 11, 5, and 4—were in New York City from Barcelona to celebrate a birthday. They had just taken off on a scenic helicopter tour when, only 18 minutes into the flight, disaster struck.

The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter, suddenly lost control and crashed into the Hudson River near Pier A Park in Hoboken. Witnesses described the terrifying scene, with one man recalling a “sonic boom” and watching the helicopter split in two before plunging into the water.

Pilot warned of fuel issue before fatal crash

In a troubling update, it has been revealed that the pilot contacted the company’s base just minutes into the flight to report a serious issue—he was running low on fuel and needed to return to the helipad.

Michael Roth, owner of New York Helicopter, told The Telegraph that the pilot was attempting to head back when the crash occurred. “I don’t know anything how this went down… We’re devastated,” he said, sharing that his wife hadn’t stopped crying since learning of the crash. “I’m a father and a grandfather, and we’re just devastated.”

Witnesses describe horrifying scene

Eyewitnesses shared their shock and sorrow after watching the accident unfold.

“It sounded like a sonic boom,” said a man named Max, who spoke to ABC News. “I look up and literally saw the helicopter splitting in two, with the rotor flying off… and then it just went straight into the water.”

Another person described seeing black debris in the sky as the helicopter spiraled downward, then disappeared into the river. It sank quickly, with no signs of survivors.

Agustín Escobar had worked at Siemens for more than 27 years and was the global CEO of rail infrastructure. His wife Merce also held a global management position at the company. In a heartfelt statement, Siemens said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in which Agustín Escobar and his family lost their lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones.”

The family had just arrived in the city and was looking forward to celebrating their child’s birthday with an unforgettable experience. Instead, it became a tragedy that has touched hearts around the world.

BREAKING: Agustin Escobar, President and CEO of Siemens in Spain, along with his wife and their three children, were identified as the victims of the helicopter that plunged into the Hudson River in New York City on Thursday, according to the New York Post.

The New York… pic.twitter.com/cGOiJWGFAx

— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) April 11, 2025

History of helicopter crashes in NYC

The aircraft involved was a Bell 206 owned by Louisiana-based Meridian Helicopters but operated by New York Helicopter, which has been giving aerial tours of the city for nearly 30 years.

Sadly, helicopter crashes are not unheard of in New York. According to the Associated Press, at least 32 people have died in helicopter accidents in the city since 1977. One of the most recent crashes happened in 2019, when a helicopter crashed into the roof of a skyscraper in Manhattan.

A tragic reminder of how fragile life is

This accident is a heartbreaking reminder that even joyful moments can take a sudden, devastating turn. A family on a once-in-a-lifetime trip lost their lives in an instant. Investigations will likely focus on whether the helicopter was properly fueled and maintained, and whether any protocols were overlooked.

For now, the world mourns the loss of a beloved family whose final moments were filled with fear instead of celebration.