Tour photos capture family’s final moments before deadly mid-air failure in New York
New York’s mayor confirmed that among the deceased are five members of the same family, including three children, as well as the pilot of the aircraft.
From Pier 40 in Manhattan, police and firefighters from both New York and New Jersey responded to the scene where a tourist helicopter crashed into the Hudson River.
The Bell 206 helicopter lost parts mid-flight on Thursday (April 10, 2025) and flipped upside down before crashing between Manhattan and the New Jersey shoreline, killing six people. Among them was a Spanish family, confirmed New York Mayor Eric Adams.
The crash occurred shortly after 3:00 p.m. local time. Footage aired on local television channels showed the helicopter plummeting rapidly into the river.
“All six victims were removed from the water. Sadly, all six were pronounced dead,” Mayor Adams stated.
The flight had departed from a Midtown heliport around 3:00 p.m. The Spanish victim was identified as Agustín E., former CEO of Siemens Spain and recently appointed head of the company’s rail mobility division. He was traveling with his wife and three children.
Tour company New York Helicopter Tours had posted photos of the family just before boarding, showing them smiling in front of the white aircraft that would ultimately claim their lives.
“It Fell Apart in the Air”
Eyewitnesses reported that the helicopter lost parts mid-flight. Bruce Wall said he saw the tail and rotor separate, with the blade still spinning as it fell. Another witness said the helicopter was spinning out of control before hitting the water.
Lesly Camacho, a receptionist at a restaurant along the Hoboken, New Jersey waterfront, saw the chopper spiraling quickly before crashing violently into the river. A video shared on social media showed debris falling and the overturned aircraft submerged while rescue boats circled above.
The skies were overcast, but visibility remained good. Rescue teams operated in water temperatures of 45°F (7°C).
Tourist Route Turns Tragic
The Hudson River area is filled with heliports, with frequent sightseeing and business flights departing daily. Helicopters regularly fly over Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty — a major draw for tourists.
Police and fire departments from both New York and New Jersey coordinated efforts at the scene. Authorities also warned of traffic delays around the crash site near the West Side Highway and Spring Street.
