The identities of the six victims of the lethal helicopter crash within the Hudson River are being revealed, because the plane is faraway from the waters between New York and New Jersey.
A household of 5 visiting from Spain was killed when one thing went catastrophically flawed 18 minutes into their sightseeing tour on Thursday afternoon. They’re Agustin Escobar Canadas, 49, Mercè Campruví Montal, 39, Victor Escobar Campruvi, 4, Mercedes Escobar Campruvi, 9, and a nonetheless unidentified little one.
German industrial conglomerate Siemens beforehand recognized Escobar Canadas as an organization government, and stated he died together with his spouse and their three younger kids.
Moments earlier than they boarded the helicopter, the household posed for a photograph on the helipad.
New York Helicopter Excursions
New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams stated the household was visiting town to rejoice one of many kids’s birthdays on Friday.
“So this is probably part of the normal tourist attraction of seeing the city from the skyline,” the mayor stated in an interview with Fox 5 New York. “But it’s just a real unfortunate situation. And our heart goes out to the family members.”
Jersey Metropolis Mayor Steven Fulop stated Escobar Canadas was within the space on enterprise and his household flew in to increase the journey.
“Arriving on Sunday, touring some Siemens entities in Pittsburgh is what they told us, and then they extended the trip with the family arriving a couple of days ago for the birthday portion of the trip,” Fulop stated.
He stated the mom was additionally celebrating her fortieth birthday.
“They were here for a birthday trip for the mom. Her birthday is actually, I understand, in June, but it was a trip that they were doing now. It was one of the child’s birthdays [Friday],” Fulop stated.
In line with LinkedIn, Escobar Canadas labored for Siemens for greater than 27 years, most not too long ago as international CEO for rail infrastructure. His spouse labored in a special division of the identical firm as a worldwide supervisor.
Siemens issued a press release in a single day saying, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in which Agustin Escobar and his family lost their lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones.”
On social media, members of the family posted a message in Spanish that reads partially, “We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the massive outpouring of condolences and support received in recent hours. There are no words to describe what we are experiencing, nor to express our gratitude for the love we have received.”
Family members of the household additionally shared of their assertion that they’ve begun the method of repatriating the our bodies again to Spain and plan to launch particulars about funeral preparations within the coming days.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez additionally reacted to information of the crash on social media, writing in Spanish, “I share in the grief of the victims’ loved ones at this heartbreaking time.”
The consulate basic of Spain in New York and the resort the place the household was staying each declined remark.
Pilot Sean Johnson killed in Hudson River helicopter crash
Their pilot was recognized as 36-year-old Seankese Carrell Johnson, who was additionally killed. He was a Navy veteran who served from 2006 to 2018.
In a press release, a Navy spokesperson stated, “We extend our deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy, including the loved ones of our former shipmate.”
Earl Watters
Final summer time, he took a job working as a co-pilot for an aerial firefighting operation.
Earl Watters was Johnson’s boss and mentor, but additionally an expensive good friend.
“He was first off an incredible friend. He had really good pilot skills for his point in his career, where he was, for his experience level, he was above average for sure and most importantly, he would help anybody,” Watters stated.
Johnson’s heartbroken father additionally posted a easy message on Fb: “I love you son.”
What we all know concerning the Hudson River helicopter crash
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Photos
The Federal Aviation Administration and Nationwide Transportation Security Board are investigating what went flawed.
“I want to extend on behalf of the entire NTSB our deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones in this tragic event,” NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated.
The flight departed from the Wall Road heliport at 3 p.m. and radar knowledge exhibits it flew north alongside the Manhattan skyline, then again south towards the Statue of Liberty.
New York Metropolis officers say the helicopter went uncontrolled minutes after takeoff earlier than plummeting into the water close to the New Jersey facet of the river.
“The helicopter reached the George Washington Bridge and then turned again to fly south along the New Jersey shoreline. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft lost control and hit the water just a few feet off the coast of Pier A Park in Hoboken,” stated NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Cellphone video captured the inverted sightseeing helicopter falling into the river. Witnesses stated the plane’s rotor blades had been already indifferent by the point it hit the water.
“We take thousands of tourist flights, there are many flights that are here, and helicopters are safe,” Mayor Eric Adams stated.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on social media that the helicopter was not getting air site visitors assist on the time as a result of it was in a particular flight guidelines space, however it did obtain assist from LaGuardia Airport earlier than the crash.
The Bell 206 helicopter is owned by Louisiana-based Meridian Helicopters, which sells, leases and refurbishes helicopters. It was operated by New York Helicopter, which has been in enterprise for 28 years.
“I don’t know anything how this went down. The only thing I can tell you, we are devastated, my wife hasn’t stopped crying since this afternoon. We’re a small company,” stated New York Helicopter CEO Michael Roth. “I’m a father and a grandfather, and we’re just devastated.”
NTSB information present one other New York Helicopter-owned plane made an emergency touchdown on the Hudson in 2013. The pilot managed to land safely and the passengers, a household of Swedes, weren’t injured.
The company discovered a upkeep difficulty and engine lubrication anomaly led to an influence cutoff in that incident.
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