A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on Thursday, April 10, at around 3:17 p.m., when a helicopter carrying a family of five—including three children—broke apart midair and crashed into New York’s Hudson River, killing all six people on board. Witnesses described terrifying scenes as the aircraft spun uncontrollably before plummeting into the water.
Dani Horbiak, who saw the incident happen, told ABC News she heard what “sounded almost like gunshots in the sky,” followed by pieces of metal raining down from above. The pilot’s final radio communication to base, moments before the fatal crash, added a chilling layer to the already devastating event. According to reports, the pilot had informed the company that he needed to land for fuel, and it should have only taken him three minutes to return. However, nearly 20 minutes passed without his arrival. Michael Roth, the owner of New York Helicopter—the company that provided the aircraft and tour—said it was another pilot who noticed the downed helicopter in the river and called it in, prompting emergency alerts. Radar data revealed the aircraft had been circling near the Statue of Liberty, then flying north along the Manhattan skyline to the George Washington Bridge before heading back south.
It had been in the air for approximately 18 minutes when the crash occurred. The victims have since been identified as Spanish tourists, including Agustín Escobar, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children. The pilot, a 36-year-old professional employed by New York Helicopter, also lost his life. Heartbreaking photos taken just prior to takeoff show the family smiling and posing in front of the helicopter—images that now serve as a tragic reminder of the lives lost too soon. Following the crash, emergency crews responded quickly to the scene. Recovery operations were launched by teams from the NYPD and the New Jersey State Police, who were able to recover all the bodies from the river.
However, major components of the aircraft remained underwater, and dive teams announced they would resume operations the next morning to retrieve the remaining wreckage. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop posted a public update confirming that recovery efforts had been paused for the night and would continue the following day. Michael Roth, clearly emotional, expressed deep sorrow over the devastating incident. “We’re all devastated. Every employee in our company is devastated. My wife hasn’t stopped crying,” Roth said in a statement. “The death of a child, of any human being, is a monumental disaster.” His voice reflected the shock and grief that has rippled throughout the company and the broader community in the wake of the crash.
The tragedy has prompted swift responses and condolences from leaders, including former President Donald Trump, who acknowledged the heartbreaking loss and stated that a full investigation was underway. In his message, he noted that the cause of the crash would be thoroughly examined and that answers would come in due time. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are expected to lead the investigation, reviewing everything from flight logs and maintenance records to pilot communications and weather data. The focus will also be on the aircraft’s mechanical condition and whether any parts of the helicopter may have malfunctioned midair. While no official cause has been announced, the pilot’s final radio call about needing fuel has raised questions regarding whether the helicopter may have run out of fuel or suffered a mechanical failure shortly thereafter. Investigators will also analyze witness accounts, radar data, and recovered wreckage to piece together the final moments of the flight. This heartbreaking event has left both locals and international communities reeling, as the lives of a young family and a dedicated pilot were cut short in a matter of moments. The tragedy has also sparked renewed calls for tighter regulation of tourist flights over densely populated urban areas. As investigators work to uncover the truth, friends, family, and strangers continue to share condolences and tributes to honor the lives lost in this horrific accident. Please take a moment to share this story with your family and friends to help remember those who were tragically taken and to raise awareness about safety in aviation.
