A peaceful afternoon in Jersey City turned tragic on April 10, 2025, when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, killing all six on board — including a Spanish family of five and the pilot. Witnesses were left stunned by the horrific scene.

Dani Horbiak heard “several gunshots in a row” before spotting the helicopter spiraling out of control. “It splashed in several pieces into the river,” she said. Lesly Camacho described “a bunch of smoke” before the crash, while tourist Mandy Bowlin saw debris flying toward her boat: “We’re kind of shook up.”

Peter Park heard “a loud bang” and saw rotor blades falling near the New Jersey shoreline. Another witness, Dominick Cognata, said, “I heard an engine dying… then the splash.” Bruce Wall watched the aircraft “slowly falling apart,” adding, “The rotor was in the air… it wasn’t attached.”

The helicopter departed at 3 p.m. for a sightseeing tour but broke apart midair just 18 minutes later. Victims included Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, and their children. New York Helicopter’s CEO said he was “absolutely devastated,” noting it was the first time he had seen rotors detach like that in 30 years. The cause is still under investigation.