A tragic helicopter crash on Thursday in the Hudson River near Hoboken, New Jersey, claimed six lives. The victims included Navy SEAL veteran and pilot Sean Johnson and a visiting Spanish family of five. The crash, which happened around 3:17 p.m. local time, left behind horrifying visuals of the helicopter spiraling out of control before it hit the water near Pier A Park.
Victims of the Crash
Officials confirmed that all six individuals on board died in the incident. Four were declared dead at the scene. Emergency teams rushed two children to a nearby hospital, but doctors pronounced them dead soon after. The Spanish family, identified as Agustin Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children, were visiting New York when the tragedy struck during a sightseeing tour.
Who Was Sean Johnson?
Sean Johnson, the 36-year-old pilot, was a former Navy SEAL who had recently moved to New York City to start a new chapter in his career as a pilot. He had previously lived and worked in Illinois, Virginia, and Montana. He was flying a Bell 206 helicopter at the time of the crash, offering an aerial tour to the visiting family.
Just days before the crash, Johnson had shared a video of himself piloting on his Facebook page, proudly showcasing his journey in aviation.
A Legacy of Service and Ambition
Johnson’s friend and fellow SEAL, Remi Adeleke, paid a heartfelt tribute on social media. He recalled how Johnson stood out even in the early days of his Navy career. “I met Sean when he was a new tech in the SEAL Teams. I was an E-6 at the time, and Sean stood out immediately—vibrant, humble, respectful, and hungry to learn,” Adeleke wrote. He shared that Johnson often spoke about his dream to become a pilot.
“Sean came from very humble beginnings—but he never let that define or limit him. If anything, it fueled him. He had a quiet determination, a spirit of resilience, and a heart that always looked out for others,” Adeleke continued. He added that they remained close even after leaving the Navy, often talking about Sean’s progress through pilot school.
Condolences from the City
New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the crash in a press conference on Thursday. He expressed sorrow and offered condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to the family of those who were on board.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet revealed the cause of the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to lead the investigation. Meanwhile, the loss of Johnson and the visiting family has left a deep impact on those who knew them and the broader public.