The devastating helicopter crash in the Hudson River on April 10, 2025, claimed the lives of five innocent people, including a mother, her husband, and three young children. The incident, which occurred during a sightseeing tour of New York City, has left family members and friends grappling with the heartbreaking loss. Joan Camprubi Montal, the brother of Merce Camprubi Montal, one of the victims, has bravely spoken out, offering a tribute to his late sister and her family.
Details of the Tragic Crash
The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter, was piloted by former Navy SEAL Sean Johnson. According to reports, the tour was part of a birthday celebration for one of the children, who were aged 11, 5, and 4. The family had arrived in New York earlier that day, and the sightseeing helicopter ride was meant to be a memorable experience. However, things took a tragic turn when the helicopter, which had been on a routine tour, crashed into the Hudson River.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the helicopter break apart in mid-air before plummeting into the water. The pilot, Sean Johnson, had radioed the base moments before the crash to notify them that the helicopter was running out of fuel. Unfortunately, that would be his final communication, and tragically, all aboard the helicopter lost their lives.
The victims were Siemens executive Agustín Escobar from Barcelona, Spain, his wife Merce, and their children. The loss of this family has deeply affected those who knew them, with many tributes pouring in from friends, colleagues, and strangers alike.
The Impact on Family and Loved Ones
Joan Camprubi Montal, the brother of Merce Camprubi, traveled to New York City to identify his sister’s body and those of her family members. In an emotional statement, he described the profound pain of losing his loved ones. “They left together, and without suffering,” he said. “As a family, we want to honor their happiness and their smile forever.”
In a heartfelt tribute to his sister, Joan vowed to keep her memory alive. “We will never forget you. And we will keep your smile alive every day of our lives. That, I think, is the greatest legacy we can give.”
Ongoing Investigation into the Cause of the Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the helicopter may have experienced mechanical failure before the crash, as witnesses described seeing parts of the aircraft, including the main rotor blade, break off mid-flight. Investigators have not yet confirmed the exact cause, and further investigation is ongoing.
It is known that the helicopter had passed its last inspection on March 1, and had completed seven tour flights earlier on the day of the crash. The pilot had reportedly called the base to let them know that he was returning to the helipad and needed refueling. However, after the pilot’s call, he failed to arrive within the expected time frame, leading to growing concerns.
Michael Roth, the owner of New York Helicopter, expressed his devastation over the incident. “We’re all devastated. Every employee in our company is devastated,” Roth said. “My wife has not stopped crying.”
Roth explained that the pilot’s call, which indicated that the helicopter was about three minutes away from landing, was followed by a long delay of over 20 minutes. Shortly after, the company was informed that a crash had occurred, and one of the pilots later spotted the helicopter upside down in the river.
The Emotional Toll on the Helicopter Company
The tragic crash has affected not only the family members of the victims but also the employees of the helicopter company involved. Roth’s words reflect the emotional impact the tragedy has had on his staff. “The death of the child of any human being is a monumental disaster,” he said, expressing his grief over the loss of such young lives.
As the NTSB continues its investigation, many questions remain unanswered, leaving both the families and the public searching for closure. While the cause of the crash is still unknown, the emotional weight of the tragedy is clear. The lives of those involved have been changed forever, and the loss of innocent lives in such a senseless accident will continue to resonate for years to come.
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Honoring the Victims and Their Legacy
Joan Camprubi Montal’s message is one of love, remembrance, and resilience. “We will never forget you,” he said, emphasizing the importance of cherishing the memories of those lost in such tragic circumstances. His words serve as a reminder that, even in the face of unspeakable grief, the legacy of a loved one can live on through their memory, their smile, and their happiness.
The tragic crash in the Hudson River has reminded us all of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we love. The Camprubi Montal family’s loss is felt by many, and their story will continue to be shared as a reminder of the preciousness of life.
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