Family of Five Laid to Rest in Barcelona After Fatal Hudson River Helicopter Crash

Agustin Escobar, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three kids.

A funeral service was held in Barcelona for Agustín Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children, ages 10, 9, and 4, who tragically died in a helicopter crash into the Hudson River during a sightseeing trip in New York City on April 10. The crash also claimed the life of the pilot, Seankese Carrell Johnson.

The family, visiting from Spain, had boarded a Bell 206 helicopter operated by a New York-based sightseeing company. Moments after takeoff from downtown Manhattan, the aircraft plummeted into the Hudson River between New York City and New Jersey. Eyewitnesses described the helicopter “falling apart” in midair before the fatal descent. Investigators later revealed that the pilot had reportedly radioed a warning about low fuel shortly before the crash.

Funeral for Agustin Escobar and his family

The emotional farewell took place on Tuesday, April 22, at the Sant Vicenç de Sarrià church in Barcelona. The church reached full capacity, with many mourners gathering outside to view the nearly two-hour service on large screens. The ceremony featured Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” played in remembrance of the family's final adventure together.

Mercè Camprubí’s father, Joan Camprubí, addressed the congregation with heartfelt words: “We have been in pain for the last 11 days, but they will always remain in our memories and remind us from up high to never lose our ability to smile.”

Funeral home workers somberly carried the caskets of the five family members into the church for the service, which was attended by hundreds of mourners

Agustín Escobar served as the global CEO of rail infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, while Mercè Camprubí Montal worked at Siemens Energy. She was also the granddaughter of a former president of FC Barcelona.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency suspension order to NY Helicopter, the operator of the sightseeing flight. The company’s Director of Operations, Jason Costello, agreed to halt operations pending the outcome of the investigation.

Hundreds of mourners packed Sant Vicenç de Sarrià church in Barcelona Tuesday to remember the family killed in a NYC helicopter crash April 10

Joan Camprubí Montal, Mercè’s brother, flew to New York on April 11 to identify the victims and later expressed his appreciation for the outpouring of support. “They left together, they left without suffering, and they left with a smile on their faces, and that is important to us,” he said.

Mourners gather to remember the family