Siemens Executive, Family Among Victims in Fatal Hudson River Helicopter Crash

Agustin Escobar and his family posing in front of the helicopter minutes before the crash

A devastating helicopter crash in New York City’s Hudson River on Thursday claimed the lives of a Siemens executive, his wife, their three young children, and the pilot. There were no survivors.

Agustín Escobar, a senior executive with Siemens responsible for the company’s operations in Spain and Southwest Europe, was aboard the helicopter with his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their children, aged 4, 5, and 11. The family was visiting New York City from Barcelona, Spain. The identity of the 36-year-old pilot has not been released.

Agustin Escobar in 2023

Escobar was appointed to his executive position in 2022. His leadership in the field of mobility and transport had been described as crucial to the company’s regional success. A previous Siemens executive praised Escobar’s contributions as instrumental in driving progress and innovation.

The helicopter, a Bell 206 operated by New York Helicopters, departed from the Wall Street Heliport and was on its sixth flight of the day when the crash occurred. Officials reported that the aircraft reached the George Washington Bridge before turning south and then plunging into the river off the coast of River Drive in Hoboken, New Jersey. The crash was reported at 3:17 p.m.

Rescue workers and emergency personnel work at the scene of a helicopter crash on the Hudson River near lower Manhattan in New York, April 10, 2025.

When rescue crews arrived, the helicopter was found upside-down in the 50-degree waters of the Hudson River. All on board were pronounced dead.

The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the cause of the crash. New York City Mayor Eric Adams extended condolences to the victims' loved ones and described the incident as a tragic loss.