This week, a heartbreaking tragedy struck New York City when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, claiming the lives of five family members and the pilot. Among the victims was Merce Camprubi Montal, a young mother and wife, who, along with her husband Agustín Escobar and their three children, perished in the crash.
On Saturday, her brother, Joan Camprubi, gathered with others to honor the victims by throwing flowers into the mist-covered waters where the crash occurred.
A Moment of Reflection and Solidarity
Shortly after the flowers were thrown, Joan Camprubi and New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the media. In an emotional statement, Joan Camprubi expressed that his loved ones “left together” and “without suffering.” Meanwhile, Mayor Adams conveyed the deep sympathy felt by the city, saying, “We mourn the lives of Agustín, Merce, and their three beautiful children. Our hearts are broken.”
Adams also expressed solidarity with the family, stating, “You have 8.5 million New Yorkers who want to say to the family members and to the wider Spanish community that we are here with you… this symbolic gesture is our way of knowing and acknowledging that our words cannot bring back their family members, but it is our way of saying, as New Yorkers, we stand united with this family during this moment of grief.”
The Helicopter Crash and Ongoing Investigation
The helicopter, a Bell 206, was part of a sightseeing tour over Manhattan. Tragically, it broke apart mid-flight on Thursday afternoon, with a loud explosion heard as the wreckage fell into the Hudson River.
The helicopter crash killed Merce Camprubi Montal, her husband Agustín Escobar, their three children, Victor, Mercedes, and Augustine, and the pilot, Sean Johnson, who was 36 years old.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry confirmed the identities of the victims, including the family of five and the pilot, as well as their nationality.
As part of the ongoing investigation, divers continued to search the Hudson River on Saturday, recovering parts of the aircraft while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) works to determine the cause of the crash.
The Investigation and Search for Clues
Investigators from the NTSB are focusing on the helicopter’s flight control system and recovering significant parts of the aircraft. They have already located several pieces, including the fuselage, cockpit, and tail boom. However, crucial components, such as the main rotor, main gearbox, and tail rotor, are still missing.
It was revealed that the helicopter had not been equipped with any flight recorders, which could have provided valuable data for the investigation. The helicopter was last inspected on March 1 and had completed seven flights before the crash occurred during its eighth flight of the day.
Looking for Answers
Although weather conditions, including gusts and wind, did not seem to contribute significantly to the crash, investigators are considering potential mechanical or hardware issues that may have caused the tragedy. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the cause of the crash to prevent future accidents.
Family’s Request for Privacy and Gratitude for Support
As they continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones, family members have requested privacy during this difficult time. Joan Camprubi thanked the local and international communities for their support, including aid from Spain, Catalonia, and the U.S. authorities. He also expressed his gratitude to Siemens, the company where Merce and Agustín worked.
“We want to move the bodies as soon as possible, home, back home, with all the family, to rest in peace together in our place,” Joan Camprubi said, as he honored his loved ones and the ongoing support from the community.
