The pilot who tragically lost his life when a helicopter crashed into New York City’s Hudson River, also claiming the lives of a family of five, has been identified as 36-year-old Sean Johnson.
A Navy SEAL veteran, Johnson had served as a gunner’s mate, where he specialized in repairing vital equipment, according to Gothamist.
Beyond his military background, Johnson also had a career in private security, having worked as a celebrity bodyguard. He later transitioned into television, taking on roles in the industry before the fatal crash occurred.
According to Michael Roth, the owner of the helicopter, the pilot had radioed in that he was preparing to land and needed fuel. “It should have taken him about three minutes to arrive, but 20 minutes later, he didn’t arrive,” Roth told The Telegraph.
“We’re all devastated. Every employee in our company is devastated. My wife has not stopped crying,” Roth said.
Witnesses described a horrifying scene as the helicopter appeared to “split in half” before crashing near Pier 40. One man said it produced a sound similar to a “sonic boom” just before it went down.
The aircraft, identified as a Bell 206L-4 with the registration number N216MH according to Flight Radar, had flown for about 16 minutes before plunging into the water.
It had taken off from the Wall Street Heliport, made a loop near the Statue of Liberty, and proceeded up the Hudson River toward the George Washington Bridge at an altitude of around 1,000 feet.
A dramatic video captured the helicopter as it sank into the river, while emergency response teams raced to the scene.
Four individuals were declared dead on the spot, and two others were transported to the hospital, where they later died from their injuries, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed.
