The world was left in shock after a devastating helicopter crash claimed the lives of a prominent tech executive, his wife, and their three children. A harrowing video capturing the final moments of the ill-fated flight has surfaced, leaving viewers heartbroken and searching for answers about the tragic incident. The footage, which has since gone viral, shows the helicopter spiraling out of control before crashing into the Hudson River near New York City, a scene that has etched itself into the minds of those who witnessed it.

The family, identified as Agustín Escobar, president and CEO of Siemens Spain, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, a global manager at an energy technology company, and their three children, were Spanish tourists who had arrived in New York City earlier that day. They boarded a Bell 206 helicopter operated by New York Helicopters for a sightseeing tour over Manhattan, a moment meant to be filled with joy and wonder. Instead, it became a tragedy that unfolded in mere minutes. Witnesses described seeing the helicopter’s main rotor blade detach mid-air, causing the aircraft to spin uncontrollably before plunging into the water near Jersey City’s shoreline. The pilot also perished in the crash, bringing the total loss to six lives.
The video, recorded by onlookers, is gut-wrenching. It captures the helicopter’s rapid descent, with smoke trailing behind as it tumbles through the sky. The sound of gasps and screams from bystanders punctuates the footage, amplifying the horror of the moment. One witness, Lesly Camacho, who worked at a nearby restaurant, recounted to reporters, “It was spinning so fast, and then it hit the water hard. There was so much smoke.” Another onlooker, Bruce Wall, noted the aircraft “falling apart” before it disappeared into the river. The raw emotion in these accounts mirrors the pain felt by those who have seen the video, a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing, with early reports suggesting a mechanical failure may have caused the rotor blade to detach. Michael Roth, CEO of New York Helicopters, expressed his devastation, stating, “I’ve never seen anything like this in thirty years.” He noted that the helicopter’s maintenance records are under scrutiny, but no conclusive cause has been determined. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are working to piece together the events leading up to the disaster, analyzing radar data that showed the helicopter’s brief 18-minute flight path along Manhattan’s skyline.
The loss of the Escobar family has sent ripples through their community and beyond. Siemens issued a statement expressing profound sadness, describing Agustín as a visionary leader and his family as a tight-knit unit full of love. Photos from the helicopter company’s website showed the family smiling as they boarded, unaware of the tragedy awaiting them. As the world mourns, the heartbreaking video serves as a somber tribute to a family whose lives were cut short in an unimaginable way.