NBC Helicopter Crash 2 of 3 Victims ID'd as Reporter, Pilot
Published September 16, 2026 5:25 AM PDT
Two of the three victims of a horrific helicopter crash in California have been identified as a seasoned NBC L.A. reporter and her veteran pilot.
NBC Los Angeles' Eliana Moreno -- who also reported for Telemundo -- and pilot George Marciniw were aboard the fatal, fiery crash in Chatsworth ... the outlet confirmed.
A third victim -- a pedestrian -- has yet to be identified. At the time of the crash, Moreno and Marciniw had been covering a fatal bus crash that left at least two dead.
Moreno -- who had the social media handle "Eli in the heli" -- had flown with Marciniw for the last three years.
In 2025, Moreno announced her engagement to fiancé Robert Barrientos. In his Instagram profile, he writes ... "Eliana ❤️."
Marciniw -- who attested to having more than 30 years of flight experience in his instructor profile -- would frequently tag Moreno on his social media as the source of his photos.
The helicopter was among several news helicopters covering a prior fatal bus crash in the area. Firefighters are responding to the… @GlobalRpt_
NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52 wrote in 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. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives."
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We reported earlier ... NBC Los Angeles anchors covered the helicopter crash on live TV and were distraught over the loss of their colleagues.
RIP

By TMZ | Created at 2026-09-16 12:41:21 | Updated at 2026-09-16 13:40:07
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