Journalist Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw have been identified as two of the victims in Tuesday night’s fatal helicopter crash in Los Angeles, NBC4 Los Angeles reported.
Both worked for Angel City Air, the helicopter charter company that operated NBC Los Angeles’ NewsChopper4, according to NBC4.
The two were covering a deadly bus crash in downtown Los Angeles when the helicopter, which NBC4 confirmed was owned by the network, suddenly lost altitude and went down. A third person on the ground was also killed, though authorities had not released that individual’s identity.
Eliana Moreno appears aboard a news helicopter. (Facebook/Eliana Moreno)
Moreno was a familiar presence in aerial news coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52, where viewers knew her by the nickname “Eli in the Heli.”
She and Marciniw had worked together since 2023. Over the years, the colleagues posted photos on social media showing them on assignment and spending time together outside of work.
NBC4 reported that Marciniw was a longtime Southern California resident and a 1974 graduate of Burbank High School.
Eliana Moreno and George Marciniw stand together beside NewsChopper4. (Facebook/George Marciniw)
“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,” NBC4 and Telemundo 52 said in a joint statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.”
The helicopter crashed in the Chatsworth neighborhood, striking the area between two buildings. The impact sparked a massive fireball and left another person injured.
At least three people died after a helicopter crashed near the scene of a deadly Los Angeles bus collision. (KABC)
The injured person was taken to a nearby hospital, though their condition was not immediately known, Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Branden Silverman told reporters.
“Our hearts are with the victims and families of tonight’s devastating Metro bus and helicopter crashes in Chatsworth, and with the entire NBC4 family,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement posted to X.
He also expressed gratitude to the first responders who worked through the night at the crash scenes.
Eliana Moreno poses on a helipad with the Los Angeles skyline behind her. (Facebook/Eliana Moreno)
The National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said they will be sending investigators to the crash site on Wednesday to probe the crash’s cause.
