On April 10, 2025, a tragic helicopter crash in New York City claimed the lives of a Spanish family and their pilot. The Bell 206 helicopter, operated by the New York Helicopter Company, crashed into the Hudson River during a sightseeing tour. On board were Agustín Escobar, CEO of Siemens Spain; his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal; and their three children, Víctor (4), Mercedes (8), and Agustín (10). All perished, along with pilot Sean Johnson.

The helicopter departed from Lower Manhattan at 2:59 p.m. and lost contact at 3:17 p.m., shortly after the pilot reported needing fuel. Eyewitnesses heard an explosion and saw the helicopter split midair before crashing upside down into the river. “Video footage indicates a catastrophic mechanical failure,” said aviation lawyer and former pilot Justin Green.

The family was in New York celebrating birthdays. Mercè’s brother, Joan, wrote: “We want to keep the memory of a happy and united family, in the sweetest moment of their lives.”

Photos showed the family wearing specialized life vests that failed to deploy due to the violent crash. Public grief was widespread. One mourner wrote, “I’m completely heartbroken… My deepest condolences to their family.”

The accident has reignited concerns over helicopter tour safety.