Siemens Spain CEO Dies With Family in New York Helicopter Crash: A sad and tragic accident has shocked the global business community. Agustin Escobar, a top executive from Siemens Spain, lost his life along with his wife and three young children in a helicopter crash in New York City. The heartbreaking news has left many stunned, especially those who knew him personally and professionally.
Let us take a look at who he was and what happened on that unfortunate day.
Siemens Spain CEO Dies With Family: What Happened in the NYC Helicopter Crash?
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River in New York City. The helicopter was flying near Pier 40 when a part of its rotor reportedly broke off mid-air. This caused the chopper to spiral out of control and crash into the freezing river water.
The helicopter had six people on board — all of them died in the crash. Among the victims were Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, their three children (aged 4, 5, and 11), and the pilot. The family had landed in New York just a few hours earlier for a short sightseeing trip.
Photos from just before the flight showed the family smiling and happy, completely unaware of the tragedy that was about to unfold.
Who Was Agustin Escobar?
Agustin Escobar was the Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Spain. He was a respected leader in the global transport and mobility sector and had over 25 years of experience with Siemens.
Born and raised in Spain, Escobar was based in Barcelona. He held a degree in Electrical Industrial Engineering from Universidad Pontificia Comillas and two MBAs — one from Universidad de Alcalá and another from the prestigious IE Business School.
Escobar began his journey with Siemens in 1998 as Head of Sales and Project Management for Power Automation Systems in Spain. Over time, he rose through the ranks, leading different business units and winning many Siemens Country Awards.
A Global Leader in Transport and Mobility
Escobar’s career was full of international achievements. In 2010, he moved to New York City to handle business development in North America. He later managed operations in Colombia, leading over 1,300 employees and overseeing three major factories.
His work was so impressive that in 2016, his division was named Siemens’ best-performing business worldwide.
From 2018 onward, he returned to Spain and became CEO of Siemens Rail Automation and Siemens Mobility. He worked on big railway and infrastructure projects, not only in Spain but also in countries like France, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, and parts of Africa.
His last role was as the Global CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, one of the company’s most important divisions.
Tributes from Siemens and the Public
After the tragic news broke, many people paid tribute to Escobar. Former Siemens Spain chief Miguel Angel Lopez praised his leadership and said Escobar was the best choice to lead Siemens Spain. “His work was key to Siemens’ success in mobility and transport,” he said.
The company also released an official statement expressing their deep sorrow and offered condolences to the family and colleagues.
Investigation Underway
The crash is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States. According to eyewitnesses, something went wrong mid-air, and a rotor piece detached from the helicopter, causing it to crash.
The Bell 206 helicopter took off from Wall Street Heliport and crashed around 3:15 pm near Pier 40. Emergency services arrived quickly, but unfortunately, there were no survivors.
The sudden and tragic loss of Agustin Escobar and his family has left a deep void in the Siemens family and the global business world. He was not just a successful executive but also a loving husband and father.
This heartbreaking incident is a reminder of how fragile life can be. The Escobar family’s story is one of warmth, ambition, and tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected by this tragic helicopter crash.
FAQs
Who was Agustin Escobar?
He was the CEO of Siemens Spain and Global CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility.
How did Agustin Escobar die?
He died in a helicopter crash over the Hudson River in New York City along with his wife, three children, and the pilot.
Where was Agustin Escobar based?
He was based in Barcelona, Spain.
What is Siemens Mobility?
It is a division of Siemens that focuses on rail systems, transport infrastructure, and mobility solutions.
What was his educational background?
He studied Electrical Industrial Engineering and completed two MBAs in business administration from Spanish universities.