TRAGIC LOSS: Victims of Hudson River Helicopter Crash Identified – Three Were Children; Rihanna Confirms Family Connection to Teenage Victim

New York City, May 8, 2025 — A day meant for sightseeing turned into a nightmare on Saturday when a private helicopter plunged into the Hudson River, killing all six people on board. The crash, which occurred just minutes after takeoff, has left families shattered and an international community mourning, particularly after global superstar Rihanna confirmed a personal connection to one of the young victims.

According to authorities, the Bell 407 helicopter departed from the West 30th Street Heliport in Manhattan shortly before noon. Within minutes, it reportedly began to experience mechanical difficulties. Witnesses described hearing strange sputtering noises from the aircraft before it lost altitude and spun out of control, slamming into the Hudson River near the 34th Street Ferry Terminal.

Emergency crews from the NYPD, FDNY, and U.S. Coast Guard responded swiftly. Divers entered the icy waters and recovered the wreckage late into the evening. Sadly, no survivors were found.

On Sunday evening, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner released the names of the victims:

• David Parker, 42, and Samantha Parker, 39, a couple from Los Angeles

• Their children, Ethan Parker, 10, and Lily Parker, 7

• Joshua Lin, 33, the pilot from Queens, NY

• And Alani Fenty, 15, a tourist from Barbados

It was the final name that sent shockwaves around the world. Within hours of the announcement, Barbadian singer and entrepreneur Rihanna, born Robyn Fenty, took to Instagram to confirm that Alani was her cousin.

“I’m devastated,” Rihanna wrote alongside a photo of Alani smiling on a Brooklyn rooftop. “She was only 15 and had her whole life ahead of her. A bright light, a beautiful soul, and my baby cousin. This is a pain no family should ever have to feel.”

Alani had reportedly been visiting New York City on a spring break trip and was eager to experience the skyline from above. The helicopter tour was meant to be a highlight of her trip.

Family and fans around the world have since shared condolences and tributes, calling Alani’s death a “heartbreaking symbol of lost potential.” In Barbados, local schools observed a moment of silence Monday morning in her honor.

The Parker family, originally from California, had traveled to New York for a family vacation. Friends described them as a “tight-knit and adventurous” family who loved exploring the world together. “They lived for making memories,” said neighbor Jenna Moore. “This trip was supposed to be one of those special memories.”

The crash has prompted renewed scrutiny of the city’s helicopter tourism industry. Critics argue that lax regulations and aging aircraft are putting lives at risk. According to FAA records, the helicopter involved in Saturday’s crash was over two decades old and had previously been cited for maintenance issues.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a formal investigation into the crash. Early reports suggest that a catastrophic engine failure may have occurred mid-flight. Investigators are now examining the aircraft’s maintenance logs, the pilot’s history, and the communications between the helicopter and air traffic control.

Mayor Eric Adams addressed the tragedy during a press conference Monday morning. “We mourn the lives lost in this unimaginable accident,” he said. “New York City will work with federal investigators to understand exactly what went wrong and to ensure this never happens again.”

Calls are growing for stricter safety protocols for private helicopter operators. Advocacy groups like Families for Safer Skies are urging lawmakers to impose new regulations, including more frequent inspections, better oversight, and limitations on tourist flights in densely populated areas.

As the investigation continues, the families of the victims are left grappling with an overwhelming sense of loss. Vigils have been planned in both Los Angeles and Barbados, and a makeshift memorial of flowers, candles, and photographs has begun to form along the Hudson River waterfront.

In a world that often moves too fast, Saturday’s tragedy serves as a brutal reminder of how quickly life can change. Six lives — three of them children — were cut short in an instant. For the loved ones left behind, the pain is immeasurable, and the questions remain.