Helicopter Pilot in Fatal Hudson Crash Has Been Identified as Navy SEAL Veteran [WATCH]

The pilot of the helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River this week has been identified as 36-year-old Sean Johnson, a former Navy SEAL and recent New York City resident who had transitioned into a civilian aviation career.

Johnson was at the controls of a Bell 206 helicopter during a sightseeing tour Thursday when the aircraft suffered a catastrophic midair failure and plunged into the Hudson River, as reported by The New York Post.

All six people onboard, including Johnson and a family of five visiting from Barcelona, were killed.

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The passengers were identified as Agustin Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children, ages 4, 8, and 10. The family had booked the tour as part of their trip to the United States.

BREAKING: Agustin Escobar, President and CEO of Siemens in Spain, along with his wife and their three children, were identified as the victims of the helicopter that plunged into the Hudson River in New York City on Thursday, according to the New York Post.

The New York… pic.twitter.com/cGOiJWGFAx

— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) April 11, 2025

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Prior to the crash, Johnson had posted a video to his personal Facebook page showing himself piloting what appears to be the same model helicopter over Lower Manhattan.

The video, uploaded last month, was captioned, “When it all comes together…” and showed Johnson flying confidently through New York City airspace.

Friends responded to the video with praise, congratulating him on his accomplishments and remarking that he was “living the dream.”

Pilot of the helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River yesterday has been identified as 36-year-old Navy SEALs veteran Sean Johnson.

Sean Johnson posted a video on his Facebook page on March 27, showing himself over Lower Manhattan in a Bell 206 helicopter. He had previously… pic.twitter.com/nX0g4jik6w

— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) April 11, 2025

Authorities have not confirmed whether the helicopter in Johnson’s Facebook video is the same aircraft involved in the fatal crash. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Johnson had previously lived in several states, including Illinois, Virginia, and Montana, before relocating to New York City to pursue his aviation ambitions full time.

His military background included service as a Navy SEAL, although specific details of his deployments or service duration were not immediately available.

The crash occurred during what was supposed to be a routine sightseeing flight. The aircraft reportedly broke apart midair before crashing into the river. Emergency crews responded to the scene, but none of the occupants survived.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are currently investigating the incident.

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