BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — A family of five from Barcelona tragically lost their lives in a helicopter accident during a planned trip to celebrate a child’s birthday in the United States. The private helicopter, which was touring New York City, broke apart and fell into the Hudson River, also claiming the life of the pilot, making the total death count six.
The victims were identified as Agustín Escobar, 45, and his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, 42, both prominent executives at Siemens subsidiaries, along with their three children. The incident has drawn condolences from various quarters, including from Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who described the situation as “unimaginable.” Prime Minister Sánchez shared his sorrow on social media while on a state visit to China, expressing sympathy for the family's loved ones.
Reaction from the community has been profound. Students at the Jesuits of Sant Ignasi school in Barcelona were left devastated upon hearing the news of their classmates’ deaths. Many were spotted weeping and embracing their parents in the aftermath. The school expressed its sorrow through a statement on Instagram, acknowledging the tragedy that struck their community.
Agustín Escobar originally hailed from Puertollano, a small city in Castilla La Mancha in central Spain. He had a long tenure at Siemens, spanning over 27 years, most recently serving as the global CEO for rail infrastructure at Siemens Mobility. He briefly held the position of president and CEO of Siemens Spain in late 2022. Escobar was known for his commitment to sustainability within the rail industry, often traveling internationally for work. In a reflective 2022 LinkedIn post, he expressed gratitude to his family for being his "endless source of energy and happiness."
His wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, was from Catalonia, where Barcelona is situated. She worked for Siemens Energy for approximately seven years, holding roles such as global commercialization manager and digitalization manager. Her family held notable ties to the FC Barcelona soccer club, as her grandfather and great-grandfather both served as club presidents. As of now, FC Barcelona has not issued a public statement regarding her passing.
In a statement, Siemens extended its condolences, expressing deep sorrow over the family’s tragic loss. The helicopter accident took place while Escobar was in New York for business, with his family joining him to extend the trip. According to Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, photos posted by the tour company showed the family smiling before their ill-fated flight.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that the children lost in the accident were ages 4, 8, and 10. It's poignant to note that the middle child’s birthday coincided with the day of the accident. As relatives began making arrangements, Jersey City officials noted that they were collaborating with the medical examiner to facilitate the transport of the victims' bodies back to Spain.
The tragedy has resonated beyond Barcelona, drawing attention to the fragility of life and the impact of unexpected loss. Communities, colleagues, and friends have rallied to support the family and remember the lives that were tragically cut short.
