What started as a joyful birthday outing quickly turned into an unthinkable tragedy when a Bell 206 helicopter operated by New York Helicopters crashed into the Hudson River at 3:17PM on April 10.
Heartbreaking images shared online captured an eight-year-old birthday girl beaming from the cockpit just before takeoff, excited for a scenic tour over New York City to mark her ninth birthday.
Only 16 minutes into the flight, the aircraft went down near Pier 40 in Lower Manhattan, killing all six people on board.
The young girl, her siblings – aged four and five – and their parents, Agustin Escobar and Merce Camprubi Montal, all died in the crash. The pilot, identified as Navy SEAL veteran Sean Johnson, was also killed.
The family had just flown to New York from Barcelona, Spain, the Daily Mail reported. They were also reportedly celebrating the mom’s 40th birthday.
Escobar was a top executive at Siemens Mobility. His wife, Merce, worked for Siemens Energy in Barcelona as a global commercialization manager.
Juan Ignacio Diaz, a longtime friend and former Siemens colleague of Escobar, described the father as someone who was deeply committed to his wife and children.
“They were everything to him,” he told The New York Post. “He loved his wife and kids so much – he was a loving, fun, and just really cool dad. I’m going to miss him and his family. I love you my friend.”
“He was such a great person – kind, steady, and always there when you needed him,” Diaz added. “No matter how hard things got, he always stayed calm and kept it together. He had this way of making things feel OK, even when they weren’t.”
The devastating tragedy that unfolded on that fateful day left friends and family reeling from the sudden loss of six precious lives. The final photo of the birthday girl in the helicopter cockpit serves as a haunting reminder of the joy and excitement that was abruptly cut short.
As the investigation into the crash continues, questions remain about what caused the Bell 206 helicopter to go down so tragically. The loss of such a loving and close-knit family has left a void that can never be filled. The outpouring of love and support from those who knew Agustin Escobar, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their children is a testament to the impact they had on those around them.
The loss of Navy SEAL veteran Sean Johnson, the pilot of the helicopter, is also deeply felt by his friends and colleagues. His years of service to his country and his dedication to his profession are a testament to his character and integrity.
As the families and loved ones of the victims mourn their loss, the community comes together to offer support and comfort during this difficult time. The memories of Agustin, Merce, and their children will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
The final photo of the birthday girl in the helicopter cockpit serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we hold dear. May the memories of those lost in this tragic accident be a source of comfort and solace to all who knew and loved them.
