NEW YORK — The pilot killed in the Hudson River helicopter crash on April 11, 2025, has been identified as Navy SEAL veteran Sean Johnson, Gothamist reported. Johnson, who died alongside a Spanish family of five, had recently moved to New York City to advance his aviation career, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Days before the tragedy, Johnson shared a Facebook video of himself flying over Manhattan, a glimpse of his passion just before the crash that claimed six lives. The footage, showing rotor blades detaching mid-flight, points to a mechanical failure, with the NTSB now investigating the helicopter’s maintenance and the operator’s safety record.
Johnson’s friend, Remi Adeleke, paid tribute on Instagram, recalling their time in the SEAL Teams. “Sean stood out immediately—vibrant, humble, respectful, and hungry to learn,” Adeleke wrote. Johnson, who rose from humble beginnings, dreamed of becoming a pilot, a goal he pursued with “quiet determination.” Adeleke followed his journey through pilot school, celebrating each milestone. “He was so proud, and I was proud of him,” he added.
The crash, likely a tourist flight, reignites safety concerns about New York City helicopter tours, following deadly incidents in 2018 and 2019. Amid national tensions—from Trump’s tariffs to the FBI’s arrest of Shawn Monper for threatening the president—Johnson’s death highlights the risks veterans face in civilian careers. His legacy of resilience endures as the investigation seeks answers to prevent future tragedies.
