Journalist Eliana Moreno died when the news helicopter she was in, with pilot George Marciniw, crashed in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Now, the family has broken their silence.
38-year-old Eliana Moreno was aboard a news helicopter with veteran pilot George Marciniw when it crashed in the Chatsworth neighborhood on Tuesday evening.
The pair were covering a deadly crash involving a Metro bus and an SUV when their helicopter went down. A third person on the ground, 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia, also died.
The horrifying incident was broadcast live on NBC, with everyone seeing the tragedy happen. Footage from inside the helicopter appears to capture the terrifying moment the aircraft became unstable, with the camera shaking violently as it suddenly began losing altitude.
The colleagues in the studio then announced that it was NBC’s helicopter that went down, with anchor Colleen Williams sharing the news that their colleagues had died.
Now, Eliana Moreno’s heartbroken family has shared a touching tribute to the journalist, revealing just how long she had dreamed of doing the job she loved.
The family shared the statement through Moreno’s brother, Johan Moreno, on Instagram.
Family of NBC journalist Eliana Moreno pays emotional tribute after fatal helicopter crash
“Since she was 11 years old, Eliana dreamed of becoming a news reporter,” her family said. “Through hard work and courage, she turned that dream into a reality.”
Moreno had worked as an aerial reporter and photographer since 2010 and became a familiar face to viewers across Southern California. Her family said they found comfort in knowing she died while doing what she had loved since childhood.
“We find comfort in knowing that Eliana left this world doing the very thing she loved, pursuing the passion she carried with her since she was a little girl,” they said.
The family also thanked KNBC viewers for their support, saying that much of her time at the station “was made possible by all of you who welcomed her into your homes and onto your screens.”
“We are infinitely proud of her and feel incredibly blessed to have had the privilege of loving her and calling her ours,” the family added.
Brother issues warning to viewers
They asked people to continue keeping Moreno, Marciniw, Gutierrez Mejia and those who died in the earlier bus crash in their thoughts and prayers. Her brother Johan also shared his own emotional message online.
On X, Johan Moreno also shared his own words about his sister’s passing. He also warned KNBC viewers against donating to fake fundraisers claiming to support his family.
“RIP sis. I will love you to the end of time,” he wrote in the post. “My family and I just went through the worst day of our lives. We appreciate all the support and love.”
He continued by explaining that “our family and her fiancé are not collecting monetary donations,” and that “any online donation pages are not endorsed by our family.”
“Thank you for your well wishes and understanding,” Johan concluded.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have begun their investigation into the cause of the helicopter crash.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy.
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