NYC Tourist Helicopter Falls into Hudson River, Siemens Executive and Family Among Those Killed [WATCH]

Six people, including a prominent Spanish executive, his wife, and their three children, were killed when a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Lower Manhattan on Thursday afternoon, as reported by The New York Post.

The pilot, who also died, had radioed that the aircraft was low on fuel moments before the crash.

Hudson river helicopter crash killed Siemens CEO, his wife and three young children. The family posed for photos minutes before crash.https://t.co/uSwxE5tvSi pic.twitter.com/84N7mooUlz

— Tony Seruga (@TonySeruga) April 11, 2025

Elon Musk Called This Financial News ‘Terrifying’

Agustín Escobar, 55, the global CEO of rail infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, was onboard with his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children.

The family had arrived in New York from Barcelona earlier that day for a vacation. Camprubi Montal was a global commercialization manager at Siemens Energy. The children were described by authorities as middle school age or younger.

The Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, took off from the Wall Street Heliport at approximately 3:00 p.m. and completed a loop near the Statue of Liberty before heading north along the Hudson River.

According to The Daily Mail, at around 3:15 p.m., the aircraft plunged into the water near Pier 40 after witnesses reported hearing a loud snap and seeing the helicopter split apart midair.

#BREAKING: Dozens of emergency crews are on the scene after a helicopter crash in the Hudson River with multiple fatalities

#Manhattan | #NewYork

At this time, numerous emergency crews are actively responding at the scene along the Hudson River after a helicopter suddenly… pic.twitter.com/DRgAXWyW2n

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 10, 2025

FREE Concealed Carry Gun Laws & Reciprocity Map

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that four people were pronounced dead at the scene, and two others died after being transported to nearby hospitals.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop said both children were taken to Jersey City Medical Center, where they later succumbed to their injuries.

Different view of Helicopter Crash Near NYC’s Holland Tunnel: A family of 5 among 6 killed when their helicopter crashed into the Hudson River.. pic.twitter.com/lG8quF4nSO

— Fahad Naim (@Fahadnaimb) April 11, 2025

The crash occurred shortly after the pilot contacted New York Helicopter’s base to report a fuel issue and indicated he was preparing to land.

The Independent Journal Review reported that the company owner Michael Roth stated:

“He [the pilot] called in that he was landing and that he needed fuel, and it should have taken him about three minutes to arrive, but 20 minutes later, he didn’t arrive.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the crash. Video from the scene shows the chopper sinking rapidly while emergency responders arrived by water and air.

Helicopter crashes into Hudson River in New York City, 6 dead @anadoluagency pic.twitter.com/c4k3LWVjYu

— L. Vural Elibol (@vuralelibol) April 11, 2025

Weather conditions at the time included cloud cover and winds up to 25 mph, but surface visibility remained clear.

Witnesses described a violent descent. “It sounded like a sonic boom,” said one bystander.

Another said, “The tail and rotor flew off before it hit the water.”

Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but the impact and water temperature — approximately 50 degrees — made survival unlikely, the Daily Mail reported.

Photos posted by the tour company earlier in the day showed the family smiling before boarding the helicopter. Escobar had extensive international experience with Siemens and previously served as CEO of Siemens Spain and Siemens Mobility Spain.

Family killed in Hudson River helicopter crash were celebrating the birthday of one of their children: report https://t.co/R23adnX1gS pic.twitter.com/xWeed4DS00

— New York Post (@nypost) April 11, 2025

He also served as vice president of the German Chamber of Commerce in Spain.

President Trump responds to the helicopter crash in the Hudson River: pic.twitter.com/UW9PzOSnCh

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 10, 2025

This incident marks another fatal air tragedy in the New York area, which has seen at least 32 helicopter-related deaths since 1977. The last major crash occurred in 2018 when a chopper plunged into the East River, killing five passengers.

The Spanish Consulate in New York is assisting with coordination and family notification. As of Friday, authorities have not released the name of the pilot.

American Made Patriotic Apparel – Save 15% with Promo Code MERICA

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.