They Took One Last Picture, No One Knew It Would Be Their Final Goodbye
A devastating tragedy unfolded on April 10 when a sightseeing helicopter tour over New York’s Hudson River ended in disaster. Among the six victims were Agustín Escobar, a highly respected executive at Siemens Mobility, his wife, Merce Camprubí Montal, and their three children. The family, visiting from Barcelona, had been on a short tour to take in the iconic skyline when their Bell 206 helicopter reportedly lost its rotors and plummeted into the river near Manhattan’s Pier 40 at approximately 3:15 PM. The pilot, who was also on board, lost his life in the crash as well.
Images captured shortly before the flight now carry a haunting weight—photos of the family standing together in front of the helicopter, smiling, unaware of the tragedy that awaited them. Four of the six individuals aboard were pronounced dead at the scene. The remaining two, rushed to the hospital in critical condition, tragically succumbed to their injuries not long after.
Agustín Escobar had recently been appointed Global CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens, a role he stepped into with vision, humility, and a profound sense of responsibility. Known for his steady leadership, strategic insight, and warmth toward colleagues, Escobar was admired not only for his professional excellence but also for the deep love he showed to his family. His wife, Merce Camprubí Montal, held a prominent leadership role at Siemens Energy, where she was equally respected for her intellect, grace, and commitment to meaningful progress in the energy sector.
Friends and colleagues from both organizations and beyond have expressed their grief and disbelief, remembering the couple as dedicated parents, admired professionals, and individuals who carried themselves with quiet dignity. Their children, whose lives were cut tragically short, were described by those who knew them as joyful, kind-hearted, and inseparable—symbols of innocence and light within the family.
The loss has sent shockwaves through both corporate communities and international circles. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offered his condolences publicly, calling the incident an “unimaginable tragedy” and expressing the nation’s sorrow at the loss of an entire family whose contributions and presence were deeply valued.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the precise cause of the mechanical failure that led to the midair catastrophe. Authorities are examining flight data, maintenance records, and eyewitness reports in hopes of understanding how a routine tour could end so fatally. As details continue to emerge, the memory of the Escobar-Camprubí family remains at the forefront—a family united in life and in loss, leaving behind a legacy of love, leadership, and grace.