Siemens Leader and Family Perish in Helicopter Accident

White flowers in a car with blurred background.

A family vacation turned tragic as a helicopter tour carrying a high-ranking Siemens executive and his entire family plunged into New York City’s Hudson River, leaving no survivors and sparking an immediate federal investigation.

Quick Takes

Agustin Escobar, head of Siemens’ Spain and Southwest Europe operations, his wife, and three children died when their sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River
The Bell 206 helicopter crashed at 3:17 p.m. near Hoboken, New Jersey, shortly after departing from Wall St. Heliport
Witnesses reported seeing helicopter parts detach mid-air before the crash occurred
The 36-year-old pilot, whose identity has not been released, also perished in the accident
Both the FAA and NTSB have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash

Family Tragedy Unfolds in Hudson River

The Spanish family’s sightseeing tour of New York City ended in tragedy when their helicopter crashed into the Hudson River Wednesday afternoon. Agustin Escobar, who had led Siemens’ operations in Spain and Southwest Europe since 2022, was traveling with his wife Merce Camprubi Montal and their three children, ages 4, 5, and 11. The family from Barcelona had been enjoying views of iconic landmarks including the Statue of Liberty when disaster struck. Emergency responders from multiple agencies including the NYPD, FDNY, Port Authority, and New Jersey agencies rushed to the scene, but were unable to save those onboard.

The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters and owned by Meridian Helicopters, was found upside-down in the water. According to authorities, the crash occurred at 3:17 p.m. near Hoboken, New Jersey, shortly after the aircraft departed from the Wall St. Heliport. Weather conditions at the time included overcast skies, 50-degree water temperature, and wind gusts up to 21 mph. This was reportedly the helicopter’s sixth flight of the day when the fatal accident occurred.

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

Eyewitness Accounts and Initial Investigation

Multiple witnesses reported seeing parts of the helicopter detach mid-air before it crashed into the river, providing crucial early information for investigators. “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, according to CBS News. First responders established a safety zone in the Hudson River as they worked to recover victims and debris from the crash site.

“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!” said President Trump.

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into what caused the crash. This incident recalls previous aircraft emergencies in New York City’s waterways, including the famous 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson” emergency landing. Unlike that event, which saw all passengers survive, Wednesday’s crash resulted in the deaths of all six people aboard the tourist helicopter.

Executive’s Legacy and International Response

Escobar was a highly respected figure at Siemens, having been appointed to lead the company’s operations in Spain and Southwest Europe in 2022. His professional contributions have been widely recognized within the company and industry. The tragic deaths have prompted condolences from officials in both the United States and Spain, where the family resided. New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed sympathies to the victims’ families, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy.”

“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 Bell 206 helicopter was following a standard tourist route that included views of Governor’s Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the Hudson River when the accident occurred. The 36-year-old pilot, whose identity has not yet been released by authorities, was also killed in the crash. As investigators continue to examine the wreckage and flight data, questions remain about what caused this devastating accident that claimed six lives during what should have been a memorable family vacation.