Spanish Family Killed in NYC Helicopter Crash Identified \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A family of five from Barcelona was killed in a sightseeing helicopter crash over the Hudson River. Parents Agustin Escobar and Mercè Camprubí Montal were executives at Siemens and Siemens Energy. Photos show the family smiling moments before takeoff on a trip to celebrate their daughter’s birthday.
Quick Looks
- Five members of a Spanish family and their pilot died in a midair helicopter breakup.
- The sightseeing tour over NYC ended in tragedy moments after takeoff.
- The family was in New York to celebrate a child’s birthday.
- Agustin Escobar, 49, was global CEO at Siemens Mobility.
- His wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, worked at Siemens Energy.
- Their children were ages 4, 8, and 10.
- The crash occurred over the Hudson River near New Jersey.
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Siemens both issued public statements.
- Camprubí’s grandfather and great-grandfather were former FC Barcelona presidents.
- The Jesuits of Sant Ignasi school in Barcelona held a moment of silence for the children.
Deep Look
What began as a family’s joyful sightseeing tour over New York City became a fatal flight that has drawn international attention and tributes. Onboard were Agustin Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children, visiting from Barcelona to mark their daughter’s upcoming 9th birthday. All five were killed when their helicopter broke apart midair and crashed into the Hudson River, along with their pilot.
Photos posted to the tour operator’s website showed the family smiling and flashing thumbs-up signs just minutes before liftoff. That image now defines a story that spans continents — from New York’s skyline to the classrooms and workplaces of Barcelona.
A Family Rooted in Industry and Innovation
Escobar, 49, held a top role at Siemens Mobility, leading the company’s global rail infrastructure division. He had recently served as President and CEO of Siemens Spain, and was also Vice President of the German Chamber of Commerce for Spain. His professional presence extended across international projects in the UK, India, and beyond.
In a 2022 LinkedIn post, Escobar called his wife and children his “endless source of energy and happiness,” crediting their support for his global success.
Camprubí Montal, also highly accomplished, worked as a global commercialization manager at Siemens Energy, a spin-off from the Siemens Group. Her digital strategy and leadership roles marked her as a key player in energy innovation and modernization.
Beyond business, her family legacy tied her closely to Barcelona FC — her grandfather Agustí Montal i Costa and great-grandfather Agustí Montal i Galobart each served as presidents of the historic football club.
Impact in the Community
Back in Barcelona, the family’s loss sent a wave through the community. Students at the Jesuits of Sant Ignasi school, where the three children were enrolled, gathered for a moment of silence. Many classmates learned of the news during school hours. Outside the school, parents embraced their children amid an atmosphere of shock.
A father, speaking outside the campus, mentioned his son had been friends with one of the children who died. Teachers and administrators declined further public comment but shared a public message: “We are devastated by the death of a family of our community.”
A Tribute from Leaders and Loved Ones
From political leaders to local educators, tributes emphasized the lives, not just the loss. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, speaking from China, acknowledged the crash in a statement on X:
“The news of the helicopter accident in the Hudson River is devastating. Five members of a Spanish family, including three children, have lost their lives.”
In Puertollano, Escobar’s hometown in central Spain, regional President Emiliano García-Page honored him, calling him a “Favorite Son of Castilla La Mancha” — a title awarded in 2023 for his achievements.
Siemens released an official statement recognizing both Escobar and Camprubí’s contributions:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash… Our heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones.”
Final Days in New York City
The family had flown in to join Escobar after a business trip in the U.S., taking advantage of the visit to celebrate their daughter’s birthday. According to Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, they extended the trip to enjoy iconic views of Manhattan.
Photos taken moments before takeoff, featuring beaming smiles and clear excitement, now serve as lasting images of that trip.
On Saturday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Joan Camprubí Montal, Mercè’s brother, visited the site of the crash, placing flowers along the shoreline.
“They left together. They left without suffering. And they left with a smile on their faces. And that’s important for us as a family,” Joan said, addressing the media.
Looking Ahead
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, with special attention on potential mechanical failures. The helicopter’s breakup in midair is a rare occurrence, and its cause is expected to be central to upcoming reports by aviation authorities.
In the meantime, family, friends, and coworkers across Spain and beyond are remembering a family whose legacy spans global innovation, community leadership, and most vividly, warmth and unity.
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