NBC Helicopter Crash Victims ID’d as Eliana Moreno, George Marciniw

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.  

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.”

We reported earlier … NBC Los Angeles anchors covered the helicopter crash on live TV and were distraught over the loss of their colleagues.