Two of the three people killed in an NBC helicopter crash in Chatsworth, California, have been identified as reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw.
Moreno worked for NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo, while Marciniw was an experienced pilot. The third victim, a pedestrian, has not yet been named.
The helicopter came down and caught fire while Moreno and Marciniw were covering a fatal bus crash in the area, which had left at least two people dead. The incident also ignited several vehicles.
Moreno had flown with Marciniw for three years and used the social media handle “Eli in the heli”. She announced her engagement to Robert Barrientos in 2025; his Instagram profile describes her as “Eliana ❤️.”
Marciniw stated in an instructor profile that he had more than 30 years of flight experience. He frequently tagged Moreno in social media posts when sharing photographs.
NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52 said in a joint statement: “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.”
NBC Los Angeles anchors reported on the helicopter crash live on air and were visibly distressed by the deaths of their colleagues.
