Video shows the moment a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River:

The crash occurred at approximately 3:17 p.m. near the Holland Tunnel ventilation shaft, close to River Drive South and the Newport waterfront, near the well-known “Water’s Soul” sculpture.

Who Were the Victims in the Hudson River Helicopter Crash?

Authorities have confirmed that five of the victims were members of the same family from Barcelona, Spain. The group was on a sightseeing tour of New York City when the accident happened.

The victims included:

  • A 42-year-old father and 39-year-old mother, whose names have not yet been publicly released pending full notification of next of kin.

  • Their three children, aged 14, 11, and 9.

  • The sixth fatality was the pilot, a 34-year-old New Jersey resident employed by New York Helicopter Tours.

The Spanish Consulate in New York has been in contact with local authorities to assist in the repatriation of the victims' remains and provide support to relatives.

Read more: Who Were the Victims in Hudson River Helicopter Crash? Spanish Tourist Family and Pilot

Agustín Escobar, Spanish Siemens CEO, His Family Die In Hudson River Helicopter Crash
Agustín Escobar, Spanish Siemens CEO, His Family Die In Hudson River Helicopter Crash

Detailed Background on the Victims

1. Agustín Escobar (47)

CEO of Siemens Spain, Escobar was a leading figure in digital transformation across the energy and mobility sectors. He had over 20 years of experience at Siemens, previously heading Siemens Mobility for Latin America and later Europe. He was a graduate of the Polytechnic University of Madrid and spoke three languages fluently. He was admired for his visionary leadership, strategic mind, and strong devotion to his family.

2. Marta Sánchez (42)

Wife of Agustín Escobar, Marta was a professional architect with a specialization in urban design. She worked at a Barcelona-based firm known for its sustainable projects. Friends describe her as warm, creative, and deeply involved in community art and education programs. She often organized cultural events for families in their neighborhood.

3. Nina Escobar (14)

The eldest daughter of the family, Nina was a student at the prestigious Kensington International School in Barcelona. She was passionate about photography and digital media. According to family friends, she had aspirations of studying in New York or London and was already exploring university summer programs abroad.

4. Leo Escobar (11)

The middle child, Leo was energetic and loved sports, especially soccer and swimming. Known for his curiosity and outgoing nature, he had recently started participating in junior robotics competitions. Teachers described him as a natural leader among his peers.

5. Clara Escobar (9)

The youngest of the three children, Clara was known for her artistic spirit. She played piano and attended a children’s arts academy on weekends. She loved painting and storytelling, and often created her own picture books at home. Her teachers described her as bright, imaginative, and always smiling.

6. Ethan Park (34)

The pilot of the helicopter, Park was a seasoned professional with more than 2,000 flight hours logged. He had worked with New York Helicopter Tours for five years and was considered highly skilled and safety-conscious. A New Jersey native, he was known for his calm demeanor and dedication to passenger experience. He is survived by his wife and young son.

What Caused the Helicopter Crash?

The helicopter involved was a Bell 206 model, operated by New York Helicopter Tours. It departed from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport around 2:59 p.m. and was scheduled to complete a 20-minute aerial tour of the city.

Just under 20 minutes into the flight, eyewitnesses reported a loud mechanical noise followed by the apparent detachment of rotor blades. Video captured by a nearby pedestrian shows the helicopter spinning before crashing upside-down into the Hudson River.

Initial investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are focusing on mechanical failure as a likely cause. However, investigators are not ruling out pilot error or weather-related factors, though the weather was reportedly clear at the time.

The helicopter sank shortly after impact. Divers from NYPD and Jersey City emergency services recovered all six bodies within hours.

Operator Under Scrutiny

New York Helicopter Tours, the operator of the ill-fated flight, has temporarily suspended all sightseeing operations. The company issued a brief statement expressing condolences:

“We are heartbroken over this tragedy. Our thoughts are with the victims' families. We are cooperating fully with investigators.”

Records show the helicopter had passed its most recent maintenance inspection in February 2025.

Response from Officials

New York City Mayor Eric Adams responded to the incident in a press briefing Thursday evening:

“This is an unimaginable loss. A family here to enjoy our city has had their lives cut short. We owe it to them to find answers and ensure this never happens again.”

Transportation officials have raised concerns in recent years about the frequency and safety of tour helicopters operating over Manhattan and the Hudson River corridor, one of the busiest aerial routes in the United States.

Community Reaction and Safety Concerns

The crash has reignited debate about the regulation of non-essential helicopter tours in densely populated areas. Advocates are calling for stricter oversight, including mandatory real-time mechanical diagnostics, improved emergency flotation devices, and more stringent flight safety protocols.

Meanwhile, the area surrounding the crash, typically bustling with tourists and waterfront pedestrians, remains partially cordoned off for investigation and cleanup.

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