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23 Apr, 2025
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Tourist Family of 5 Killed in Helicopter Crash Is Laid to Rest. Their Funeral Included a Touching Song Choice
@Source: people.com
A funeral was held for the family of five who died earlier this month when their helicopter crashed into the Hudson River. Agustín Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal and their three young children — ages 10, 9 and 4 — were visiting New York City from Spain at the time of the April 10 crash. Shortly after their helicopter, operated by a sightseeing company, took off from downtown N.Y.C., the aircraft plummeted into the water, also killing pilot Seankese Carrell Johnson. Back in Barcelona, a funeral was held for the family on Tuesday, April 22. “We have been in pain for the last 11 days, but they will always remain in our memories and remind us from up high to never lose our ability to smile,” Montal’s father, Joan Camprubí, said during the service, according to the Associated Press. Highlighting one particularly poignant moment from the service, the news agency reported that as loved ones remembered the family, Frank Sinatra's classic song "New York, New York" played over the speakers. The church where the service was held, Sant Vicenç de Sarrià, reportedly reached capacity as mourners gathered outside to watch the nearly two-hour service on outdoor screens, according to the AP. Escobar was the global CEO of rail infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, while his wife worked for a different division of the company, Siemens Energy, and was also the granddaughter of a former president of the famous Barcelona FC soccer club. On April 14, the company that operated the Bell 206 helicopter involved in the fatal crash, received an emergency order of suspension ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Mr. Jason Costello, the Director of Operations of NY Helicopter, “agreed that NY Helicopter would cease operations as requested” until investigations were complete, the order said. As the investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing, witnesses said they saw the helicopter "falling apart” in midair and the pilot had reportedly warned he needed fuel before crashing into the Hudson river between New York City and New Jersey. Montal's brother, Joan Camprubí Montal, flew to New York City from Spain on April 11 to identify the bodies of his loved ones. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. At one point during the trip, he spoke to reporters and vowed to "never forget" his family members, according to the New York Post. “This is a really difficult situation, but we are overwhelmed by the massive condolences we’ve received,” he said. “I want to say they left together, they left without suffering, and they left with a smile on their faces, and that is important to us.”
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