Brother of Woman Who Died in N.Y.C. Helicopter Crash Flies to U.S. to Identify Bodies, Vows to ‘Never Forget’ His Family Members

The brother of a woman who tragically lost her life in a helicopter crash in New York City has flown in from Spain to identify the bodies of his sister, her husband, and their three children. The family members, including the woman identified as Mercè Camprubí Montal, were victims of a fatal incident that occurred on April 10 in the Hudson River. The Mayor of Jersey City, N.J., Steven Fulop, confirmed that Mercè’s brother, Joan Camprubí Montal, arrived in the U.S. on April 11 to undertake the heartbreaking task of identifying his loved ones.

Joan Camprubí Montal’s journey to the United States follows a tragic event that claimed the lives of all six people aboard the helicopter, which belonged to the sightseeing company New York Helicopters. The family, consisting of Mercè, her husband Agustín Escobar, and their three young children, had traveled to the U.S. for a business trip that later turned into a celebration for Mercè’s birthday. The children were all below the age of 11, with one child set to turn 8 the day after the crash.

Authorities are still investigating the circumstances that led to the helicopter crash, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration looking into the incident. Eyewitnesses described the helicopter as “falling apart” and “spinning pretty fast” before the crash. New York Helicopters CEO Michael Roth revealed that the pilot had radioed the base for fuel before the tragedy occurred, indicating a potential mechanical issue.

In the midst of this devastating loss, Joan Camprubí Montal paid tribute to his family, expressing his deep sorrow and vowing to cherish their memories. He spoke to reporters at the crash site, reflecting on the legacy his loved ones have left behind. The Spanish consulate and Siemens, where Mercè and Agustín worked, are assisting in the aftermath of the tragedy, coordinating the repatriation of the bodies to Spain for their final resting place.

The community has rallied around the family, offering condolences and support during this difficult time. Mayor Fulop highlighted the ongoing process of identifying the bodies and arranging for their return to Spain, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of various parties involved in the post-crash procedures. The Hudson County Medical Examiner’s office continues its examination of the victims to determine the cause of death, whether from drowning or other factors.

As the investigation unfolds, the heartbreak and impact of this aviation disaster reverberate through both the local community and the global audience following this tragic event. The loss of five members of a loving family in a foreign land has left a profound void, with condolences pouring in from all corners. The resilience and remembrance shown by Joan Camprubí Montal serve as a touching tribute to the enduring spirit and bond shared by his family members.