Deadly Hudson Crash Kills Siemens Executive and Family Members

Coffin with white flowers outdoors in green surroundings.

A tourist helicopter carrying a Siemens executive and his family plunged into New York City’s Hudson River, killing all six aboard in a tragedy that has prompted a major investigation into what caused the aircraft to reportedly break apart mid-flight.

Key Takeaways

Agustin Escobar, head of Siemens’ Spain and Southwest Europe division, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children aged 4, 5, and 11 all perished in the Hudson River helicopter crash.
The Bell 206 helicopter crashed at 3:17 p.m. near Hoboken, New Jersey, shortly after taking off from Wall St. Heliport on its sixth flight of the day.
Witnesses reported seeing helicopter parts detach mid-air before the crash, with the aircraft found upside-down in the water.
The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies including NYPD, FDNY, Port Authority, and New Jersey agencies responded to the scene within minutes.

Spanish Executive and Family Identified as Victims

Officials have identified Agustin Escobar, who had led Siemens’ Spain and Southwest Europe division since 2022, as one of the victims in the helicopter crash. Escobar was vacationing in New York City with his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, ages 4, 5, and 11, when the sightseeing helicopter they were aboard crashed into the Hudson River. The 36-year-old pilot, whose identity has not yet been released, also died in the crash. The family had traveled to New York City from their home in Barcelona, Spain, for what was supposed to be a memorable family vacation.

President Trump expressed his condolences following the crash, stating on social media: “Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people, the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us. The footage of the accident is horrendous. God bless the families and friends of the victims. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and his talented staff are on it. Announcements as to exactly what took place, and how, will be made shortly!”

Agustín Escobar, a Siemens executive, and his family were killed in the Hudson River helicopter crash, law enforcement source says https://t.co/a4sOjeh8cF

— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) April 11, 2025

The Crash and Immediate Response

The Bell 206 helicopter crashed at 3:17 p.m. near Hoboken, New Jersey, shortly after departing from the Wall St. Heliport. According to authorities, the helicopter was on its sixth flight of the day and had been following a common tourist route that included views of Governor’s Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the Hudson River. Witnesses reported seeing helicopter parts detach mid-air before the crash, raising serious questions about the aircraft’s maintenance and airworthiness. The helicopter, which was operated by New York Helicopters and owned by Meridian Helicopters, was later found upside-down in the water.

“NYPD units from aviation, harbor, scuba and patrol all responded, with our first units arriving at the site within minutes. Our NYPD divers entered the water, along with rescue personnel from FDNY, Port Authority and various New Jersey agencies,” said Jessica Tisch.

Weather conditions at the time of the crash included overcast skies, water temperature around 50 degrees, and wind gusts up to 21 mph. Following the crash, authorities established a safety zone in the Hudson River to facilitate the investigation and recovery efforts. The crash is reminiscent of previous aircraft incidents in New York City’s waterways, including the famed “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009, when all passengers survived after pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger made an emergency landing on the river.

International Reactions and Investigation

News of the crash quickly spread internationally, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressing his condolences, describing the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy.” Siemens colleagues paid tribute to Escobar, who was highly regarded within the company. Miguel Ángel López, former head of Siemens’ Spanish division, highlighted Escobar’s contributions to the company.

“With Agustín Escobar we have the best possible successor to lead, from now on, the company in Spain. In recent years his work has been key to Siemens’ success in the field of mobility and transport,” said Miguel Ángel López.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a comprehensive investigation into the crash. Investigators will examine the helicopter’s maintenance records, the pilot’s flight history and qualifications, weather conditions, and eyewitness accounts. New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined officials at a press conference where he expressed condolences to the victims’ families. The investigation is expected to take several months to complete, with preliminary findings potentially available within weeks.