Agustin Escobar and Merce Camprubi Montal. Photo:
The family of five who died when the helicopter they were traveling in crashed into the Hudson River off New York City were on a celebratory vacation, according to reports.
Agustín Escobar, the president of the Spanish branch of the technology company Siemens, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal and their three children, ages 4, 5, and 11, were confirmed to be the victims of the crash, PEOPLE previously reported. The pilot, who was also killed, has not yet been identified.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, Agustin Escobar, and his beloved family,” Siemens CEO Roland Busch said on X. “Agustin was the CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Agustin’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We will miss him and his family immensely.”
The family traveled from Barcelona, Spain for a vacation to celebrate one of their young children’s birthdays when the crash occurred, local news outlet El Diario reported.
Agustín Escobar and Merce Camprubi Montal with two of their three children. facebook
Authorities have not yet shared details of what caused the crash to happen.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a press conference shared on X on Thursday, April 10, “Our hearts go out to the family and all six who were on board the helicopter.”
He added that reports of the crash began at approximately 3:17 p.m., moments after the helicopter took off from downtown N.Y.C.
The Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating alongside the National Transportation Safety Board, said the aircraft was a Bell 206 helicopter.
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Helicopter crash. Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty
The aircraft was flying for tour company New York Helicopters, as previously reported.
It “lost control and hit the water just a few feet off the coast of Pier A Park in Hoboken,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
One witness told the Associated Press that they saw the aircraft “falling apart” midair, while another said the aircraft appeared to be spinning uncontrollably with “a bunch of smoke coming out.”
New York Helicopter Tours CEO Michael Roth said he was “devastated” following the incident, according to the New York Post.
