A scenic helicopter tour above Manhattan ended in tragedy when it crashed into the Hudson River, killing all six aboard—a Spanish family of five and their pilot. “Our hearts go out to the family and those on board,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
The victims were Agustin Escobar, a Siemens executive; his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal; and their children, ages 4, 5, and 11. The family, visiting New York from Barcelona, was on vacation. The 36-year-old pilot also died, though his name has not been released.

Operated by New York Helicopters, the aircraft took off from Wall Street Heliport around 3:17 p.m. and crashed near Hoboken, New Jersey. It initially flew north, then suddenly turned south and plummeted into the river.

Eyewitness video showed the helicopter spiraling nose-down, without any attempt to stabilize—suggesting a mechanical failure or loss of control. It crashed close to shore, where witnesses quickly alerted emergency services.The incident triggered a rapid emergency response and sparked an international investigation. “A moment captured on video,” the crash raises urgent questions about what went catastrophically wrong.