NBC Los Angeles has confirmed that reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw were among three people killed when a KNBC news helicopter crashed in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles on Tuesday evening.
The station’s anchors announced the deaths during their broadcast in the early hours of Wednesday, September 16, describing the crew as “our dear colleagues.” The helicopter, News Chopper Four, was covering a deadly crash involving a bus and an SUV a few blocks away when it went down, according to the station.
Two Aboard and One on the Ground Killed
Both people on board the helicopter and a third person on the ground were killed in the crash, NBC Los Angeles announced. The identity of the third victim has not been released.
Horrifying footage of the crash circulated widely in the aftermath, prompting an outpouring of grief from viewers and colleagues across the news industry.
Moreno Was a Veteran News Chopper Reporter
Moreno was born and raised in Orange County and graduated from Chapman University with a degree in broadcast journalism and political science, according to the station. She had been flying in news helicopters since 2010, building a career defined by aerial coverage of major stories across Southern California.
Marciniw, her pilot, grew up in Southern California and graduated from Burbank High School in 1974. The pair began flying together in 2023 and were frequent partners on assignments, with Moreno often referencing him while covering stories on air.
What Happens Next
The cause of the crash has not been determined, and no official findings have been released. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances that led to the helicopter going down. Reports describing a confirmed cause would be premature without an official ruling.
NBC Los Angeles said further updates would follow as the story develops. The station did not immediately announce plans for a memorial or additional tributes to Moreno and Marciniw.
