Hudson River helicopter crash: What was meant to be a scenic tour of New York turned into an unthinkable nightmare for a family visiting from Spain as a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River and claimed the life of the pilot on April 10, 2025.
Among the six people who lost their lives were Agustín Escobar, a respected executive, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three young children — all on a family trip that would end in heartbreak.
A Respected Leader and Devoted Father
Agustín Escobar, known in the corporate world as the President and CEO of Siemens Spain, was admired for his steady leadership and innovative thinking. But beyond boardrooms and global meetings, Escobar was a man grounded in his role as a father and partner.
To his close friends and colleagues, he was deeply family-oriented — someone who prioritized his children’s milestones over business accolades. This trip to New York was one of those moments meant to create lasting memories, not headlines.
Mercè Camprubí Montal: The Family’s Guiding Light
Mercè was more than a mother and wife — she was the soul of the family. A former journalist who later shifted her focus to advocacy and education, she was known for her empathy, intellect, and quiet strength.
She poured her energy into raising their children with curiosity and compassion, and this trip was her way of sharing the magic of New York with them for the first time.
Three Children, Taken Far Too Soon
The couple’s children, aged 11, 5, and 4, were full of the kind of energy and wonder only childhood can carry. Family friends described the oldest as “wise beyond his years” and already fascinated by science and technology, while the younger siblings were inseparable — always inventing games, always laughing.
They were bright lights with futures just beginning to form.
A Grieving Nation and a Global Response
Back in Spain, the news of the family’s death sent shockwaves through both the business world and the public. Siemens Spain issued a heartfelt tribute, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the incident a “profound national sorrow.”
In New York, Mayor Eric Adams shared his condolences, calling the crash a “deeply painful tragedy.”
What Happened?
Preliminary investigations suggest the helicopter experienced a sudden mechanical failure mid-air, possibly related to a vital component known as the “Jesus nut” — a bolt that connects the main rotor to the helicopter’s body. The aircraft went down near Pier 40 after reportedly breaking apart in the sky.
Rescue teams responded swiftly, but all six passengers — including the 36-year-old pilot — died either at the scene or shortly after.
A Painful Reminder of Life’s Fragility
There are no words big enough to hold the loss of an entire family. What remains is the memory of who they were: a couple in love, children full of hope, and a family that had built a beautiful life together — now gone too soon.
Their story is a piercing reminder that behind every tragic headline are real people, real lives, and dreams that deserve more time.
