NBC4 Los Angeles reporter Eliana “Eli” Moreno and pilot George Marciniw were identified as the two people aboard the station’s helicopter when it crashed Tuesday night in Chatsworth, killing three people.
Moreno was a veteran aerial journalist known on Instagram as “Eli in the Heli.” Marciniw was an experienced pilot with more than 14,000 hours logged in the helicopter.
The NewsChopper4 was hovering near Nordhoff Street while covering a separate fatal Metro bus collision when it suddenly lost altitude and crashed to the ground.
NBC4 and Telemundo 52 issued the following statement late Tuesday:
“We are deeply saddened to share that a helicopter providing aerial news coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52 was involved in a fatal accident in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.”
The crash sparked a massive fire, engulfing the wreckage and setting several nearby vehicles ablaze as firefighters raced to the scene.
NBC4 confirmed on air that the helicopter belonged to the station.
“We have lost contact with our people,” longtime NBC4 anchor Colleen Williams said tearfully as the station reported on the developing crash.
The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that at least three people died. One victim was believed to be a pedestrian who was outside the helicopter when it crashed.
Moreno was a longtime aerial photojournalist and reporter for NBC4 Los Angeles and Telemundo 52, spending years documenting Los Angeles from the sky.
She had worked aboard news helicopters since 2010.
From the air, Moreno covered police pursuits, brush fires, traffic and major events throughout the region.
Moreno began her aerial journalism career soon after graduating from Chapman University in 2010 with degrees in broadcast journalism and political science.
She later worked at KCAL 9 and KCBS 2 before joining NBC and flying aboard NewsChopper4 around 2018 or 2019.
During flights, Moreno handled photography, reporting and editing duties.
Tributes quickly poured onto social media after news of the crash spread.
“May God have mercy on your beautiful soul, Eliana, and may choirs of angels welcome you into the Kingdom of Heaven. May your light shine on forever.”
