LA helicopter crash: Eliana Moreno, George Marciniw, Gutiérrez Mejia remembered as chopper bursts into flames

The identities of the three people killed in a horror helicopter crash have been revealed.

On Tuesday evening, around 7pm local time, a Los Angeles news helicopter crashed while covering a bus crash in California’s San Fernando Valley which killed at least three people.

The aircraft appeared to land on top of two shipping containers and several vehicles before bursting into flames.

During a live broadcast on NBC4 Los Angeles, Colleen Williams said it was the station’s helicopter that had gone down.

“We knew it was a news chopper, we knew we’d lost contact with our people out there, and we’ve just received the confirmation that, in fact, NewsChopper4 went down just before 7 o’clock tonight in Chatsworth,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion.

“We are going to take a couple of minutes to think about that, process it.”

Moments later the coverage abruptly cut off.

Williams and the station’s website later identified them as Eliana Moreno, a familiar voice for NBC4 and Telemundo 52 during the station’s aerial coverage, and pilot George Marciniw.

Both were Angel City Air employees and began flying together in 2023.

NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52 issued 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,” it read.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.”

A pedestrian was also killed in the tragedy, identified by NBC News as Gutiérrez Mejia, 29.

Eli in the heli

Ms Moreno was 38 when she died on Tuesday night (LA time).

Champan University, from which she graduated with a double degree in broadcast journalism and social science in 2010, issued a statement about her death.

“We are grateful to know that she went on to pursue her passion for journalism and storytelling as a reporter,” university spokesman Bob Hitchcock said.

“Our hearts go out to Eliana’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those who knew and worked with her.

“We extend our deepest condolences to everyone mourning her loss.”

Ms Moreno regularly shared content from the helicopter on her Instagram page, Eli in the heli.

“I have the best job in the world,” she once wrote.

Last year, the 38-year-old announced her engagement to Robert Barrientos.

Co-anchor of NBC LA’s morning show Lynette Romero said Ms Moreno’s energy was “contagious”.

“She was just such a light, such a spark plug. She’s teeny tiny, but she had the biggest heart and enthusiasm,” she said.

“They were both doing what they loved so much, and for me, that’s comfort in knowing how happy they were.

“They loved breaking news, and they loved being in NewsChopper4.”

More than 14,000 hours logged

Mr Marciniw had more than 30 years experience in the air.

Having logged 14,000 hours of flight time, the veteran was nearing retirement.

News anchors at NBC paid tribute to the well-loved member of the team.

“When you thought about NewsChopper4 you thought about George,” said meteorologist Belen De Leon.

An investigation into the crash has been launched and the National Transportation Safety Board’s first report should be issued in about 30 days.