A sightseeing helicopter ride turned tragic last week when a chopper broke apart mid-air and crashed into the Hudson River, killing the pilot and a family of five visiting from Spain.
The pilot, 36-year-old Sean Johnson, was a former Navy technician who had been certified to fly commercial helicopters since August 2023.
Friends say Johnson was passionate about flying and always prioritized safety. "He was a genuinely great person," said his mentor and friend Remi Adeleke. "He would give you the shirt off his back."
Johnson leaves behind a wife and stepdaughter.
The FAA says the tour company behind the flight, New York Helicopter Tours, is shutting down as a full investigation is underway.
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