Tributes poured in across Southern California this week following a devastating helicopter crash in the Chatsworth area of the San Fernando Valley. The aircraft, operated by Angel City Air and providing coverage for NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52, went down Tuesday evening while reporting on a traffic accident. Witnesses described a harrowing scene, noting that the chopper appeared to sway before steadily losing altitude until it impacted the ground. The tragedy claimed three lives: journalist Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and a pedestrian on the ground named Edy Gutierrez Mejia.
Among those lost was Eliana Moreno, a 38 year old reporter beloved by her colleagues and viewers alike. Known affectionately on social media as Eli in the heli, Moreno was praised by coworkers as a spark plug whose enthusiasm was contagious. A graduate of Chapman University, she spent years mastering aerial journalism in both English and Spanish. Her digital footprint painted a picture of a woman who truly loved her career, often posting that she had the best job in the world between updates on her pets and milestones with her fiancé, Robert Barrientos.
Beside her was veteran pilot George Marciniw, a man synonymous with NewsChopper4 for many at the station. With over 30 years of flight experience, Marciniw was highly respected within the aviation community and had served as an instructor to other pilots throughout his long career. Those close to him noted that he was nearing retirement and often used his flights to capture stunning vistas of Los Angeles, frequently crediting Moreno for the photographs he shared online. His death left former students and peers in total disbelief over the loss of such a steady hand in the cockpit.
The tragedy extended beyond the crew to include Edy Gutierrez Mejia, known as Pichi to his family. Only 29 years old, Mejia had traveled from Cuilapa, Guatemala, and had been in town for just two days when he was struck by the falling aircraft. He had reportedly come to Los Angeles to purchase a vehicle to sell back home. As his family now works to return his remains to Guatemala, local officials in his hometown expressed their profound sorrow through public statements of prayer and support.
As investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration move forward with their probe into what caused the mechanical failure or pilot error leading to the plunge, those left behind are grappling with an immense void. In joint statements and emotional broadcasts, NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52 emphasized that their teammates were doing exactly what they loved most when they passed away, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated storytelling and professionalism.
