Los Angeles – NBC4 Los Angeles announced Tuesday evening that two of the victims of a fatal helicopter crash in the city’s Chatsworth neighborhood have been identified. The deceased are veteran reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw, both employees of Angel City Air, the charter company that operates the network’s NewsChopper 4.
Victims and their service
Moreno, known on‑air as “Eli in the Heli,” had been a fixture of NBC4’s aerial news team and also contributed to Telemundo 52’s sky‑high coverage for several years. She and Marciniw, a Southern California native who graduated from Burbank High School in 1974, had worked closely together since 2023, often sharing photos of their assignments and meals on social media.
Crash details
The helicopter was covering a deadly Metro bus collision in downtown Los Angeles when it lost altitude and struck the ground between two buildings in Chatsworth. The impact generated a large fireball and killed a third person on the street, whose identity has not yet been released. A fourth individual was injured in the crash and was taken to a local hospital; their condition remains unknown.
Official response
“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,” the stations said in a joint statement, extending condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also issued a statement on X, expressing his sympathy: “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. Thank you to the first responders working tirelessly tonight.”
Investigation underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that investigators will be dispatched to the crash site on Wednesday to determine the cause of the accident.
Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Branden Silverman told reporters that the fire was quickly contained and that the department’s crews are cooperating fully with federal investigators.
Community impact
The loss of Moreno and Marciniw has resonated throughout the local news community. Colleagues described Moreno as a dedicated journalist who brought a calm, professional presence to every aerial assignment, while Marciniw was praised for his skill and experience piloting the NewsChopper fleet.
Residents of Chatsworth expressed concern over the safety of low‑altitude flight operations over densely populated neighborhoods, urging city officials to review existing flight‑path regulations.
Looking ahead
As the investigation proceeds, NBC4 and Telemundo 52 have pledged to continue providing comprehensive coverage of the ongoing Metro bus crash investigation while honoring the memory of their fallen team members.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Sinkewicz contributed to this report.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
