Just moments before tragedy struck, a photograph captured what appeared to be an idyllic day for a young family—radiant smiles, sparkling eyes, and an anticipated adventure in New York City ahead of them. Hours later, that same family would be lost in a tragic helicopter crash that has left two nations in mourning.
On Thursday, April 10, Agustín Escobar, a senior executive at Siemens Mobility, along with his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three young children, tragically perished when their helicopter plunged into the Hudson River near Manhattan’s Pier 40. The pilot, whose name has yet to be disclosed, also lost his life in the accident.
The family, who traveled from Barcelona, had set out on what was supposed to be a scenic tour of the city. However, a devastating mid-air malfunction transformed their dream outing into a nightmare. Eyewitnesses reported witnessing the Bell 206 helicopter break apart in the air, losing its rotors before plunging into the water. The crash occurred around 3:15 p.m., just off the coast of Hoboken, New Jersey. Four victims died instantly, while the remaining two succumbed to their injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Images shared on the New York Helicopter Tours website show the Escobar family joyfully posing in front of the helicopter—a moment now frozen in time. Another chilling photo reportedly depicts the family strapped in their seats just minutes before the crash, creating a stark contrast to the horror that ensued.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, with mechanical failure suspected based on eyewitness testimonies. Agustín Escobar had recently assumed the role of Global CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility. With a career spanning over 25 years, he spearheaded significant projects across Spain, Germany, the United States, and South America. He was highly respected for his calm leadership, innovative thinking, and ability to unite teams.
Miguel Ángel López, Escobar’s predecessor at Siemens, characterized his leadership as “key to Siemens’ success in mobility and transport.”
Equally remarkable, Merce Camprubi Montal held a prominent position as a global commercialization manager for Siemens Energy, a role she had excelled in for seven years. Friends and former colleagues fondly remember the couple not only for their professional successes but also for their warmth and dedication to family.
“He was such a wonderful person — kind, reliable, and always available when needed,” recalled longtime friend and former Siemens colleague Juan Ignacio Diaz. “He was a loyal friend, someone you could truly rely on. And he never forgot what mattered most—his family.” Diaz described how Escobar successfully balanced a demanding career with an unwavering commitment to being a present, engaged father. “He adored his wife and children; they were his everything.”
The couple’s three children, all believed to be of middle school age or younger, were remembered as joyful, tight-knit, and full of life. This tragedy has not only shocked Spain and the U.S. but has also reverberated throughout the international community. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “The news reaching us today of the helicopter crash in the Hudson River is devastating. Five Spaniards from the same family, three of them children, along with the pilot, have tragically lost their lives. An unimaginable tragedy. I share in the grief of the victims’ loved ones during this heartbreaking time.” As investigations continue, so does the mourning—not just for the abrupt, senseless loss of six lives, but for the brilliance, kindness, and love that emanated from a family now gone too soon.
Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy.
