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Fatal Helicopter Crash in Hudson River Claims Six Lives; Pilot Identified as Navy SEAL Veteran
A tragic helicopter crash in New York City’s Hudson River has resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including the pilot, identified as a former Navy SEAL veteran, and a family of five tourists. The devastating incident occurred yesterday, plunging the aircraft into the river and prompting an immediate investigation.
Pilot Identified as Sean Johnson, Navy SEAL Veteran
The pilot at the helm of the doomed helicopter has been officially identified as Sean Johnson, aged 36. Reports indicate Johnson was a Navy SEAL veteran and previously served as a gunner’s mate, responsible for equipment maintenance, according to Gothamist. Beyond his military service, Johnson also had experience as a celebrity bodyguard and in television work.
Johnson had recently relocated to New York City to pursue his aspirations of a career in commercial aviation, as stated by his wife.
‘I’m just at a loss for words. I don’t even know what occurred,’ his widow, Kathryn Johnson, expressed to the news outlet.
Victims Identified as Spanish Family
The passengers aboard the helicopter have been identified as the Escobar family. Agustín Escobar, president of the Spanish division of the technology corporation Siemens, his wife, and their three children, all perished in the Hudson River crash, according to the New York Times.
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Pilot’s Background and Aviation Career
Sean Johnson’s Facebook profile reveals his dedication to aviation, having studied commercial piloting at Southern Utah University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Johnson also listed previous employment as a former UH-60 Co-pilot at Heli-1 Corporation.
Weeks prior to the fatal incident, Johnson shared a video online capturing a flight from the helicopter cockpit soaring above Manhattan.
Tributes Paid to Former Navy SEAL Pilot
Following the tragedy, former Navy colleagues of Johnson have offered tributes. Friend Remi Adeleke shared online, ‘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.’
Investigation into Hudson River Helicopter Crash Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have commenced a joint investigation into the causes of the catastrophic helicopter crash, which transpired at approximately 3:15 pm. Emergency services received distress calls around 3:17 pm, a mere 17 minutes after the aircraft’s departure from downtown Manhattan.
Helicopter Company Owner Details Final Communication
Michael Roth, 71, owner of New York Helicopter, the company that operated the tour and provided the aircraft, indicated that the helicopter had communicated a need for refueling.
‘He [the pilot] called in that he was landing and that he needed fuel, and it should have taken him about three minutes to arrive, but 20 minutes later, he didn’t arrive,’ Roth recounted to The Telegraph. He further explained receiving numerous phone messages before another pilot discovered the wreckage.
‘We’re all devastated. Every employee in our company is devastated. My wife has not stopped crying,’ Roth added, reflecting on the company’s collective grief.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Crash
Witness reports indicate the helicopter appeared to ‘split in half’ moments before crashing into the Hudson River near Pier 40. One witness described hearing a sound resembling a ‘sonic boom’ emanating from the distressed aircraft.
Aircraft and Flight Details
Flight data identifies the downed aircraft as a Bell 206L-4, registration N216MH, according to Flight Radar. The helicopter’s flight lasted approximately 16 minutes before it crashed into the water. It departed from the Wall Street Heliport, circled the Statue of Liberty, and then proceeded up the Hudson River towards the George Washington Bridge, reaching an altitude of about 1000 feet.
Dramatic video footage captured the helicopter submerging into the river as emergency response teams rushed to the scene.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that four individuals were pronounced deceased at the site of the crash, while two others were transported to a hospital, where they later ‘succumbed to their injuries.’
Breaking News
This is a developing story; please check back for further updates.