Tragic Helicopter Crash in Hudson River Claims Lives of Family and Pilot
NEW YORK – Details have surfaced following a devastating helicopter crash in the Hudson River that resulted in the deaths of a family of five along with a career pilot. The incident, which occurred on a Thursday, has left the families of the victims reeling as they prepare to repatriate their loved ones’ bodies back to Spain.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy,” reaffirming that the community stands with the bereaved families during this painful time. He acknowledged that while “no words can fill the void,” ongoing support will be extended to both the family of the deceased and the pilot, Sean Johnson.
Family Honors Their Loved Ones
Before a scheduled press event, family members visited the crash site, where they commemorated the lost by placing flowers in the waters adjacent to Jersey City. They expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of condolences, underscoring the affection the Escobar family received from those around them.
Joan Camprubí, brother of victim Mercè Camprubí Montal, shared a poignant reflection: “They left together. They left without suffering. And they left with a smile on their faces.” The family is focused on quickly returning the victims’ remains to Spain, where they want them to rest peacefully together, stating, “We want to move the bodies as soon as possible.”
Understanding the Victims
The victims included Agustin Escobar, a senior executive at Siemens; his spouse, Mercè Camprubí Montal, who held a global management position at an energy technology firm; their three children—Victor, Agustin, and eight-year-old Mercedes Escobar Camprubí, who had a birthday approaching shortly after the crash; along with their pilot, 36-year-old Seanqese Johnson.
Agustin Escobar had dedicated over 27 years to Siemens, most recently overseeing global operations for railway infrastructure at Siemens Mobility. In contrast, Mercè was employed at Siemens Energy in Barcelona, fulfilling roles in global commercialization and digital transformation.
The sentiments of loss were echoed in a statement released by Siemens, conveying heartfelt condolences to all affected by the tragedy.
Seanqese Johnson: The Pilot
Seanqese Johnson, also a casualty of this incident, was an established pilot known for his extensive experience, which included flying Blackhawk helicopters in wildfire response operations. Recently, Johnson had shared his aviation experiences on social media, expressing his passion for flying.
Timeline and Investigation Developments
According to reports from New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the helicopter, a Bell 206 operated by New York Helicopters, took off from a heliport in Lower Manhattan around 2:59 p.m. Within minutes, at approximately 3:08 p.m., the aircraft lost control near Hoboken.
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as the helicopter began to disintegrate mid-air. A witness recounted, “The propeller just exploded and scattered.” Video evidence seems to confirm that the rotor blades may have detached during flight, leading to dire consequences.
While officials are refraining from speculating on the crash’s exact cause, they are focusing on gathering evidence. Recovery teams have retrieved parts of the helicopter, including the rotor, while continuing the search for other critical components. Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Diving Into the Hudson
The crash site, characterized by shallow waters approximately five feet deep, also presents challenges for recovery operations. Divers collected debris an estimated 75 feet from the shore, including items that appear out of the ordinary.
Investigation Insights
As investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) unfold, significant time and effort are being dedicated to understanding the moments leading up to the crash. Witness accounts indicated the helicopter was seen breaking apart, with parts of it detaching before it descended.
Notably, The New York Times reported on New York Helicopter Charter’s concerning history of previous incidents, including a 2015 crash linked to the same company that reportedly occurred while the craft was hovering just 20 feet off the ground.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the risks associated with aviation and underscores the importance of thorough investigations to ensure passenger safety in the future.
