Family of Five Dies in Helicopter Crash Carrying the Same Yellow Bag – What Was Inside?

On April 10, 2025, New York City experienced a devastating incident when a Bell 206 helicopter, engaged in a sightseeing tour, crashed into the Hudson River.

Among the passengers were members of a Spanish family visiting the city: Agustín Escobar, the CEO of Siemens Spain; his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal; and their three children, Víctor (4), Mercedes (8), and Agustín (10). Unfortunately, all family members lost their lives in the accident, along with the pilot, Sean Johnson.

The helicopter, operated by the New York Helicopter Company, took off from the Lower Manhattan heliport at 2:59 p.m. During the flight, the pilot indicated a need for fuel but was authorized to continue. Shortly after, at 3:17 p.m., communication with the helicopter was lost. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and saw critical parts, including the rotors and tail, detach in midair. The helicopter then broke apart and fell into the Hudson River, landing upside down. Striking images of the incident rapidly spread across social media.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promptly initiated an investigation. However, the lack of flight recorders and cabin cameras, along with the failure to recover essential components such as the main rotor and transmission, has hindered the investigation. Justin Green, a lawyer and former helicopter pilot, noted that video evidence suggests a “catastrophic mechanical failure,” potentially caused by the main rotor colliding with the tail, leading to an uncontrollable situation.

Agustín Escobar, hailing from Puertollano, Ciudad Real, was well-known for his significant contributions at Siemens Mobility. His wife, Mercè, a global marketing manager at Siemens Energy, came from a prominent Catalan business family. The Escobar-Camprubí family had traveled to New York to celebrate birthdays and enjoy family time, unaware that their joyful trip would end in such tragedy.

Mercè’s brother, Joan Camprubí Montal, expressed his profound sorrow over the loss.A particularly striking aspect of one of the last photographs depicts each family member adorned with matching yellow bags secured around their waists. These bags were specialized life jackets, referred to as Heli vests from EAM Worldwide, specifically engineered for helicopter travel. Unfortunately, despite their intended purpose, the vests failed to inflate or offer any protection due to the severity of the crash.

The public’s response to the tragedy was profound, with an outpouring of sympathy across social media platforms. One individual remarked, “I am utterly heartbroken and saddened by this news. My thoughts are with the family and all those impacted by this tragedy.” Another user stated, “What a tragedy… it must have been a horrifying and devastating ordeal. My deepest sympathies go out to their family.”

This tragic event has sparked renewed conversations regarding the safety of tourist helicopter flights in New York, particularly following another recent crash involving a private plane near Copake, which also resulted in loss of life.

As the investigation progresses, the memories of those who perished—both the Escobar-Camprubí family and pilot Sean Johnson—are held dear by their families and the wider community.