In a tragic incident last year, Agustin Escobar, aged 49, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, 39, and their three young children lost their lives when a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River. The family was aboard the helicopter, which operated under New York Helicopter Charter, during their holiday in New York City. The accident occurred on April 10, 2025, shortly after takeoff, near the Holland Tunnel. Alongside the Escobar family, the pilot also perished in the crash.
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As a result of this harrowing event, the relatives of the victims have taken legal action against the tour operator, New York Helicopter Charter Inc., alleging negligence in the operation of the helicopter. The lawsuit was filed in New York State Supreme Court by Joan Camprubi Montal, the brother of Merce Camprubi Montal, on behalf of the deceased family members.
The official complaint outlines the harrowing events of that fateful day, claiming that the helicopter experienced an “in-air breakup” near the ventilation towers of the Holland Tunnel. According to the document, this breakup caused the helicopter to detach into three sections: the fuselage and engine, the main rotor system, and the tail boom. The fuselage ultimately crash-landed inverted into the water, while the other sections were found submerged at varying depths. The complaint notes that all occupants suffered “unspeakable fear and terror of impending death.”
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promptly requested the director of New York Helicopter Charter, Jason Costello, to suspend operations while investigations were underway. Costello agreed to this request, yet shortly after, the owner of the charter, Michael Roth, allegedly contradicted Costello’s compliance. Roth reportedly told the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that operations would continue, leading to questions about his leadership in the wake of the tragedy.
The lawsuit claims that New York Helicopter Charter was aware of significant safety concerns regarding the helicopter’s main rotor blades, which were prone to delamination—a critical issue that can lead to failure of the blades. The complaint further asserts that the company displayed negligence in multiple areas: failing to execute essential maintenance, neglecting to ensure the pilot’s qualifications for managing in-flight emergencies, and not conducting a proper pre-flight inspection of the helicopter.
The family’s relatives are pursuing a jury trial as they seek damages for the losses incurred, a move that underscores the broader implications of this tragedy. The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about helicopter safety in the realm of tourism and leisure flights.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Michael Roth expressed his dismay over the crash, calling it “absolutely horrific.” He spoke about the emotional trauma experienced by his own family following the incident, reflecting on the profound impact of the tragedy on all involved. Nonetheless, Roth maintained the position that his company did not engage in any wrongdoing, asserting that they leased the helicopters from another entity.
In the wake of this tragedy, a bipartisan group of Congressional members, led by Representative Jerrold Nadler, has introduced the Helicopter Safety and Parity Act. This proposed legislation aims to enforce safety standards for helicopters that align with those mandated for airplanes. Joan Camprubi Montal echoed sentiments at a press conference regarding the legislation, stating, “We want to keep their memories alive,” and emphasised the need to prevent such a loss from happening to others in the future.
As investigations by the NTSB continue, the families affected by the crash remain in search of answers. They are determined to pursue measures that could lead to enhanced safety standards within the helicopter tourism industry, motivated by the hope that no other family would have to endure such a devastating loss again.