The brother of Mercè Camprubí Montal, who tragically lost her life along with her husband and three children in a recent helicopter crash, traveled to New York City to identify the remains of his family members and pay tribute at the scene of the tragedy.
Joan Camprubí Montal, overcome with grief, named his late relatives—Agustín Escobar, Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their children Victor, Mercedes, and Augustine—while extending heartfelt thanks for the compassion and support shown to the family during this period of profound mourning.
Delivering his message in Spanish, Joan offered a poignant tribute: “We will never forget you. Your smile will live on in us each day, and that, I believe, is the greatest legacy we can offer in your honor.”
He found a measure of peace in knowing his family passed away together and seemingly without suffering, saying, “They left this life united, peacefully, and with joy on their faces. That brings us a sense of comfort.” He also noted the family’s intention to repatriate the bodies so that they may be laid to rest together in their homeland.
Eyewitnesses to the crash reported a catastrophic mechanical failure, describing how the main rotor blade appeared to detach just moments before the helicopter fell into the Hudson River. One witness, Dani Horbiak, recalled hearing loud noises similar to gunfire and then seeing pieces of metal descend from the sky.
Initial reports indicate the helicopter was operated by New York Helicopter Tours. The company’s owner, Michael Roth, stated that the pilot had communicated a request to land for refueling shortly before the incident. While the aircraft was expected to land within minutes, it failed to arrive, and the crash occurred approximately 20 minutes later.
Investigators are currently examining the possibility of a technical malfunction, with early indications pointing to a failure of a key component commonly referred to as the “Jesus nut”—a crucial part that secures the helicopter’s main rotor.
The pilot, identified as 36-year-old Sean Johnson, a former Navy SEAL, also perished in the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the accident as the families and loved ones of the victims seek closure.
