Who was Agustin Escobar? Siemens CEO killed in Hudson river helicopter crash
FIVE of the six people tragically killed in the helicopter crash over New York City’s Hudson River have now been identified.
Among the victims were tech executive Agustin Escobar, and his wife Merce Camprubi, the granddaughter of a former FC Barcelona president. They were travelling with their three children when the helicopter went down.
Who was Agustin Escobar?
Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three young children, aged 4, 5, and 11, were all killed in the tragic crash.
The pilot, a 36-year-old man, also lost his life.
He has not yet been identified.
Agustin was a highly respected executive, serving as CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility and previously leading the Spanish branch of the company.
Merce also held a senior role as global marketing manager at Siemens Energía.
Both were industrial engineers, educated at prestigious Spanish universities.
She studied at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, while he went to Comillas.
They both reportedly earned MBAs from two of the world’s top business schools: IESE and IE.
According to El Mundo, before the tour, the family posed for photos arranged by the company operating the helicopter.
In a heartbreaking detail, one of the children was photographed sitting beside the pilot just before takeoff.
Married for over ten years, Merce and Agustin had previously lived and worked in New York, so knew the city well.
Agustin was born in Puertollano, a town in Castilla-La Mancha.
At just 17, he left his hometown with ambition and a clear vision: to build an international career rooted in the idea that technology should serve society.
In a heartfelt post on LinkedIn, Agustin reflected on that journey: “At 17, I left my native Puertollano to study, train, and begin, with effort and enthusiasm, to create an international professional career that would allow me to contribute to creating a better world where technology served society.”
Despite his global career, Agustin never lost his connection to his roots.
He often spoke of how returning to Castilla-La Mancha brought him joy and peace and how reconnecting with family, friends, and the land that shaped him always grounded him.
“Every time I return home to my family and friends, I am immensely happy because I am returning to my origins, to my roots. I carry this land in my heart,” he wrote.
That deep pride in his heritage was recognised officially when he was named a “Favourite Son” of Castilla-La Mancha by the regional government, led by Emiliano García-Page.
“He was such a great person — kind, steady, and always there when you needed him,” said Juan Ignacio Diaz, who used to work with Agustin.
Who was Merce Camprubi?
Merce was also influential, having come from one of Catalonia’s most influential families.
Her grandfather, Agusti Montal Costa, is remembered for transforming FC Barcelona.
He was the president who signed Johan Cruyff and introduced the club’s now-iconic anthem.
Her great-grandfather, Agustin Montal Galobart, also served as club president and was instrumental in securing the grounds where Camp Nou stands today.
Both are considered two of the most visionary leaders in Barca’s history.
That legacy could continue with Merce’s brother, Joan, who is reportedly preparing to challenge Joan Laporta in the club’s next presidential election.
What happened to them?
Tragedy struck around 3.15 pm on April 10, 2025, when the helicopter reportedly broke apart midair and plunged into the Hudson.
The Bell 206 helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Jersey City just 18 minutes after takeoff, flipping upside-down before hitting the water around 3:15 pm on Thursday.
Footage from the scene showed parts of the helicopter, including its tail and rotor, breaking off and falling separately near the Holland Tunnel ventilation tower.
Emergency crews from the FDNY and NYPD worked through the evening.
By just after 8 pm, they had recovered the mangled wreckage using a crane, while divers pulled the victims from the river.
Officials confirmed that four people were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others later died in the hospital.
Recovery efforts were suspended overnight, with major portions of the aircraft still submerged, according to Jersey City’s mayor.