- NBC4 news helicopter crashed in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles, resulting in multiple fatalities.
- The victims have been identified as Eliana Moreno, an engaged reporter; George Marciniw, a soon-to-retire pilot; and a young tourist.
- Officials expressed condolences, with Mayor Karen Bass calling it a “very, very, very tragic day” and Governor Gavin Newsom offering sympathies to the families and the NBC4 family.
- Eliana Moreno was a graduate of Chapman University with a degree in broadcast journalism and political science, and she won an award in 2023 for “Best TV Continuing Coverage” from the Radio and Television News Association of Southern California.
- George Marciniw, also known as “Jorge” on Telemundo, was a lifelong Angeleno, a 1974 graduate of Burbank High School, and a helicopter flight instructor for over 30 years with 14,000 flight hours.
A helicopter crash in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, claimed the lives of NBC4 reporter Eliana Moreno, veteran pilot George Marciniw, and tourist Edy Gutierrez Mejia. The helicopter, a Eurocopter AS350, was covering a fatal bus collision when it crashed into a business parking lot.256789
Moreno, engaged to be married, was a celebrated aerial photojournalist who graduated from Chapman University in 2010. She was recognized in 2023 for 'Best TV Continuing Coverage' by the Radio and Television News Association of Southern California.
Marciniw, a lifelong Angeleno, was a seasoned pilot with over 30 years of experience and 14,000 flight hours. He was planning to retire soon, but his dreams were cut short.
The third victim, Edy Gutierrez Mejia, a 29-year-old tourist from Guatemala, had just arrived in Los Angeles hours before the crash. He was struck while in a business parking lot.
Mayor Karen Bass described the incident as a 'very, very, very tragic day' for the city, expressing condolences to the families affected. California Governor Gavin Newsom also extended his sympathies to the victims' families and the NBC4 team.34
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, with a preliminary report expected in 30 days. The cause remains unknown, but video from the helicopter indicated engine failure prior to the crash.
“Eliana Moreno, a Chapman University graduate, won a 2023 'Best TV Continuing Coverage' award from the Radio and Television News Association of Southern California. George Marciniw, a lifelong Angeleno and 1974 Burbank High School graduate, had flown 14,000 hours as a helicopter flight instructor for over 30 years.”
