New York — A haunting photo has emerged showing a smiling family of five just moments before boarding a helicopter that would later crash into the Hudson River, killing everyone on board.
The image, posted to the New York Helicopter Tours website, shows Agustín Escobar, the head of Siemens’ operations in Spain, alongside his wife and their three children, bundled up against the cold and standing in front of the Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV. Hours later, the same aircraft would plunge into the water off Manhattan in a fiery crash that claimed all five of their lives.
Escobar, who served as president and CEO of Siemens Spain, had been visiting New York with his family when they booked the sightseeing tour. Another photo shows the family already strapped into their seats inside the helicopter—faces lit up with anticipation—just moments before liftoff.
Authorities confirmed Friday that all passengers aboard the aircraft perished in the crash. The pilot, who survived, was rescued and is cooperating with federal investigators.
The incident has reignited questions about the safety of helicopter tours in the city, which have come under scrutiny in recent years following a series of deadly accidents. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are now investigating what led to the tragedy.
Siemens described the loss as “devastating” and said Escobar would be remembered as a visionary leader and devoted family man.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
As reported by VINnews