Siemens Spain CEO Agustin Escobar and Family Killed in Hudson River Helicopter Crash
In a tragic accident that has shocked the global business community, Agustín Escobar, CEO of Siemens Spain, was killed along with his entire family in a helicopter crash over the Hudson River in New York City on April 10, 2025. The crash claimed six lives in total, including Escobar’s wife Merce Camprubi Montal, their three young children aged 4, 5, and 11, and the pilot.
The family had flown into New York from Barcelona earlier that day to begin a vacation. Shortly after their arrival, they boarded a sightseeing helicopter—a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV operated by New York Helicopters. The aircraft took off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at approximately 2:59 p.m., flying along the west side of Manhattan. Around 3:17 p.m., the helicopter experienced an in-flight mechanical failure and crashed upside-down into the Hudson River near Jersey City. Witnesses described seeing the aircraft spin wildly before hitting the water.
Emergency services recovered all six victims. Four were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two succumbed to their injuries at a nearby hospital.
Agustín Escobar had been with Siemens for 27 years, serving in various high-level roles across Spain, North America, and South America. He was appointed CEO of Siemens Spain in 2022 and also led the Rail Infrastructure division at Siemens Mobility globally. His wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, held a senior role as global commercialization manager at Siemens Energy.
Just weeks before the fatal accident, Escobar had visited India, engaging with Siemens teams in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. On social media, he had shared his admiration for the innovation and dedication he witnessed during the visit.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation. Early findings suggest a catastrophic mechanical failure, with reports indicating that the main rotor detached during flight. The helicopter, built in 2004 and certified to operate until 2029, was leased from a Louisiana-based aviation firm.
This is the deadliest helicopter crash in New York City since 2018 and has prompted renewed concerns over the safety standards of aerial sightseeing operations. Tributes have poured in globally, mourning the untimely loss of a respected corporate leader and his family.
