Details on Victims of NBC L.A. News Helicopter Crash
Investigating the tragic NBC L.A. news helicopter crash. Learn about victims Eliana Moreno and George Marciniw, and the ongoing investigation.
POLICY WIRE — Los Angeles, United States — Tributes have started to flow in following a fatal news helicopter crash in Los Angeles, which claimed the lives of three individuals.
The incident occurred just before 7 p.m. local time on Tuesday in the Chatsworth area of San Fernando Valley, as the helicopter was covering a separate traffic accident. The aircraft was operated by Angel City Air and affiliated with NBC Los Angeles.
The deceased aboard the helicopter include Eliana Moreno, a journalist known for her work with the station and its Spanish-language sister station, Telemundo 52, and pilot George Marciniw. A pedestrian on the ground also died at the scene, though their identity remains undisclosed.
Moreno, in her late 30s, was born in Orange County and graduated from Chapman University in 2010 with a degree in broadcast journalism and political science. She joined Angel City Air’s helicopter team the same year and worked with multiple Southern California news outlets. Her social media posts often showcased her passion for the job, with one caption stating: “I have the best job in the world.”
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Colleen Williams, a veteran NBC4 Los Angeles anchor, expressed her grief on air, saying, “We are coming on the air with heavy hearts tonight because we lost valued friends and colleagues … while on assignment tonight.”
Marciniw, who grew up in southern California, graduated from Burbank High School in 1974. He had over 30 years of flight experience and often shared scenic photos from his helicopter flights. He frequently credited Moreno for capturing images during their assignments, such as a post featuring the L.A. Dodgers stadium lit up at night with the caption: A few shots Eliana took as we flew over Dodgers after the game. ‘Go Dodgers.’
Online tributes poured in for Marciniw, highlighting his professionalism and cheerful nature. One person wrote, “Fly high in the great beyond,” while another said, Total utter disbelief.
NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52 released a joint statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the two individuals. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the cause of the crash.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
