On a seemingly normal afternoon in New York City, a devastating accident turned a family celebration into a heartbreaking tragedy.

 

A sightseeing helicopter plunged into the icy waters of the Hudson River on April 10, 2025, killing all six people on board.

 

Among the victims was a prominent Spanish executive, Agustín Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three young children.

 

They had been in the United States for a business trip, but decided to extend their stay to celebrate Mercè’s birthday.

 

Their joy turned to horror just moments before the crash, as eyewitnesses reported the helicopter breaking apart mid-air.

 

The pilot, 36-year-old Seankese “Sean” Johnson, a former U.S. Navy serviceman, also lost his life in the crash.

 

He had alerted the base shortly before the incident, mentioning the need to refuel — but he never made it.

 

 

The helicopter, a Bell 206 model, had been in service for over two decades and was operated by New York Helicopter Tours LLC.

 

Witnesses on the ground described a terrifying scene: parts of the aircraft separating as it spiraled toward the water.

 

Emergency services rushed to the scene, but no one could be saved.

 

In the wake of the crash, U.S. authorities acted swiftly.

 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) immediately grounded the tour operator’s entire fleet.

 

New York Helicopter was forced to cease all operations while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched a full investigation.

 

Senator Chuck Schumer called for accountability, accusing the company of putting profits over safety.

 

His words echoed the growing outrage among locals and tourists alike, many of whom questioned how such a tragedy could have happened

in one of the world’s busiest cities.

 

The Escobar-Camprubí family’s deaths sent shockwaves through both the Spanish and American communities.

 

Agustín Escobar had been CEO of Siemens Mobility in Spain, a major player in international rail infrastructure.

 

His wife, Mercè, was beloved in their community, described by friends as vibrant and compassionate.

 

Their children — all under the age of 11 — were full of life, their futures cut tragically short.

 

Joan Camprubí Montal, Mercè’s brother, flew to New York to identify the bodies.

 

His grief was palpable, as he spoke to reporters about the family’s love for adventure and their excitement for the trip.

 

“They were so happy,” he said. “It was supposed to be a celebration. Now, I have to bring them home in coffins.”

 

The Spanish government and Siemens provided support in repatriating the bodies, while tributes poured in across social media.

 

City officials, including the mayors of New York and Jersey City, issued public statements mourning the loss.

 

As investigations continue, questions remain about the helicopter’s maintenance, the company’s safety protocols, and whether this disaster

could have been prevented.

 

The Bell 206 model has had previous safety concerns — and now, its reputation is under renewed scrutiny.

 

Tour helicopter services in NYC have long faced criticism for flying low over residential areas and congested skies.

 

Calls are growing louder for stricter regulation, especially as more details about the company’s past violations begin to emerge.

 

Early reports suggest the aircraft might have been operating without proper inspections.

 

Others fear mechanical failure, potentially linked to the aircraft’s age and condition, could be to blame.

 

Meanwhile, the NTSB is working closely with the FAA and local authorities to piece together the final minutes of the flight.

 

Black box data, if available, may reveal more about the cause of the mid-air disintegration.

 

For now, the skyline of Manhattan stands as a silent witness to an unthinkable loss.

 

A family wiped out in seconds — during what was meant to be a joyful birthday trip.

 

As the world watches and mourns, the hope is that justice will be served and that tighter safety standards will prevent another such tragedy.

 

Because six lives — full of promise, love, and dreams — deserve more than a tragic headline.

 

They deserve answers.

 

And above all, they deserve remembrance.