Empire State Review Team 
Helicopter Tragedy in the Hudson River
NEW JERSEY – On Thursday, April 10, 2025, a tourist helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, resulting in the death of all six people on board, including a family from Spain and the pilot.
Circumstances Surrounding the Crash
At approximately 2:59 PM, the helicopter, identified as a Bell 206 operated by New York Helicopters, took off from a heliport in Lower Manhattan. It was reported that shortly thereafter, around 3:08 PM, the aircraft lost control near Pier A Park in Hoboken.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with one individual stating they saw the helicopter “falling apart” in mid-air, with its tail and propeller detaching before the aircraft made its fatal descent into the river.
Identities of the Victims
Among the deceased is Agustin Escobar, a Siemens executive from Spain. He was reportedly enjoying a sightseeing tour of New York City with his wife and three children when the tragic incident occurred. The complete identities of the remaining victims are still being withheld pending family notifications, although it has been confirmed they were all members of the same family.
Investigation Insights
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Preliminary eyewitness reports and video evidence indicate that the rotor blades may have separated from the helicopter mid-flight, ultimately leading to the catastrophic failure.
Authorities are looking into the operational history of New York Helicopters, which has had previous incidents, including emergency landings and power loss during flights. Michael Roth, the CEO of NY Helicopter Tours, expressed deep sorrow at the tragedy, particularly given that there were children aboard.
Rescue Efforts
Divers from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) quickly commenced rescue operations in the aftermath of the crash. Two victims were recovered immediately, while two others were later transported to nearby hospitals, where they unfortunately succumbed to their injuries.
Ongoing Developments
As investigations continue, authorities remain focused on establishing the exact cause of the crash. Community members and officials have expressed their condolences to the families affected, marking this event as a somber reminder of the risks associated with aerial tourism.
