Politics
Tragic New Details Revealed From Fatal NYC Helicopter Crash
New information has emerged following Thursday’s devastating helicopter crash over the Hudson River that claimed six lives, including a family of five from Spain and the pilot—who has now been identified as Navy SEAL veteran Sean Johnson.
Johnson, who had recently relocated to New York City to pursue his passion for aviation, was piloting the Bell 206 helicopter when it suffered a catastrophic mid-air failure and crashed into the river near Jersey City. The crash occurred just minutes after the aircraft took off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at approximately 2:59 p.m.
According to the Gothamist, Johnson was the sole crew member aboard the helicopter. In the days leading up to the accident, Johnson had posted a video of himself flying to his Facebook page, a glimpse into the dream career he was working to build.
Remi Adeleke, a close friend and fellow Navy SEAL veteran, posted a tribute to Johnson on Instagram, reflecting on their bond and Johnson’s character.
“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. “Every time I stepped into his workspace, we’d chop it up about life, the Teams, and his future. He’d always tell me he wanted to be a pilot someday.”
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“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,” he continued. “Even after we both left the Navy, we stayed close—regular calls, meetups, and texts. He’d keep me updated every step of the way through pilot school, sharing milestones and progress. He was so proud, and I was proud of him.”
The tragedy occurred at approximately 3:17 p.m. when eyewitnesses observed the helicopter begin to disintegrate mid-air. Dani Horbiak, a nearby resident, reported hearing “five or six loud noises that sounded almost like gunshots” before seeing the aircraft plunge into the river, according to ABC7.
Emergency crews from both New York and New Jersey, including the FDNY and Hoboken Fire Department, rushed to the scene. Despite a rapid response, all six individuals on board were pronounced dead.
JUST IN: 6 people are confirmed to be deceased in the Hudson River helicopter crash, according to the Associated Press.
The chopper’s propeller was seen detached from the helicopter, spinning into the water.
According to a witness who spoke with NBC, the chopper blade just… pic.twitter.com/EMpWMJC9el
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 10, 2025
The passengers included Agustin Escobar, an executive with Siemens; his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal; and their three children, aged between 4 and 11. The Spanish family was reportedly on a sightseeing trip when the incident occurred, and the helicopter was on its way to refuel.
Footage and eyewitness accounts have since circulated on social media, including a chilling clip showing the detached rotor blade spinning into the river. One witness told NBC that the “chopper blade just… detached” mid-flight.
Officials said there were no weather-related issues at the time of the crash. The location, less than a mile from Manhattan and near the Holland Tunnel, prompted the U.S. Coast Guard to establish a safety zone along a two-mile stretch of the river. Ferry services and traffic patterns in the area have been disrupted.
This crash follows a troubling pattern of helicopter incidents in the region, including a deadly 2009 mid-air collision and a 2018 East River crash.
