Tragically, just two days later on the afternoon of Thursday May 24th, another helicopter accident occurred across the Hudson River. Sadly, a Spanish family of five perished along with their pilot in the crash. The Bell 206 helicopter was taking a birthday celebrant, […] The helicopter was on its eighth tour flight of the day. Then, without warning, it exploded mid-air and dropped into the river below with a thunderous crash that could be heard for miles around.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry announced the tragic news. Agustín, Merce, and their three children—Victor, Mercedes, and Augustine—were killed. Earlier that day, the helicopter had conducted its seventh successful flight. All of that changed during a flight over Manhattan when tragedy struck.
As search and recovery efforts are still ongoing, divers are currently attempting to locate a number of key helicopter features. So it’s the tail rotor, main rotor, mains gearbox, and most of the tail boom. Sadly, the helicopter was not equipped with flight recorders. Had these devices been in use, they could have supplied key new details about the factors leading up to the crash.
The airplane’s most recent annual inspection was March 1, making its condition immediately preceding the accident suspect. Without flight recorders, forensically piecing together the exact cause of the crash will be immeasurably difficult for investigators.
Following this tragedy, Mayor Eric Adams called for prayers for the victim’s family and loved ones.
“We mourn the lives of Agustín, Merce and their three beautiful children, Victor, Mercedes and Augustine. Our hearts are broken.” – Mayor Eric Adams
He emphasized the state’s New Yorkers’ resolve and unity during the brutal time that unfolded. He announced that 8.5 million New Yorkers stand with the mourning family.
“You have 8.5 million New Yorkers who want to say to the family members and to the wider Spanish community that we are here with you… it is our way of saying as New Yorkers, we stand united with this family during this moment of grief.” – Mayor Eric Adams
Family spokesperson Joan Camprubi described their hopes to NPR, adding that they were seeking privacy as they mourn.
“We want to move the bodies as soon as possible, home, back home, with all the family, to rest in peace together… everybody has been supporting us.” – Joan Camprubi
As recovery efforts continue, the community is still coming together to support those affected by this tragedy. The energetic family’s tragedy has shocked their close-knit Spanish community. It has left a lasting impact on all those who knew them in New York.