Eliana Moreno and George Marciniw Perish in NBC4 Helicopter Crash

**NBC4 Los Angeles Mourns Reporter and Pilot Killed in NewsChopper 4 Crash**

In the early hours of Wednesday, NBC4 Los Angeles opened its 4 AM newscast with a tribute to reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw, both of whom died Tuesday night while on assignment. The helicopter, known as NewsChopper 4, crashed in Chatsworth during coverage of a fatal Metro bus collision.

A third person on the ground was also killed.

Anchors announced the station’s grief and honored the colleagues with memories and gratitude for their years of service. Adrian Arambulo recalled Moreno’s passion, saying every time viewers heard her voice from NewsChopper 4 she was “gung‑ho” and clearly loved what she did.

A longtime coworker described Moreno as kind, hardworking, and always on top of things.

Marciniw was remembered as a deeply respected pilot whose name had become synonymous with the helicopter. The tribute concluded with condolences to families, friends and colleagues, emphasizing Moreno’s and Marciniw’s dedication to informing Southern California residents.

## Background & Context

The crash occurred Tuesday evening when NewsChopper 4 was on assignment covering a deadly Metro bus collision in Chatsworth. The helicopter was owned by NBC Los Angeles, as confirmed by the station. NBC4 anchors were visibly emotional on‑air Tuesday night as the news unfolded.

The station began its 4 AM newscast with an emotional tribute, signaling the profound loss felt across the newsroom. During the broadcast, anchors shared personal memories and expressed their gratitude for the contributions of Moreno and Marciniw.

NewsChopper 4 is part of NBC4’s rapid‑response fleet, used to cover breaking stories across Southern California. The helicopter is routinely deployed for high‑profile events and accidents throughout the region. Its loss has left a significant gap in the station’s coverage capabilities.

An investigation has been launched by the California Department of Transportation’s Aviation Safety Division. Details of the findings will be released once the inquiry concludes.

## Tribute Details

Adrian Arambulo described Moreno’s enthusiasm, noting she was “gung‑ho” every time her voice came through NewsChopper 4. A colleague who worked with her since 2014 recalled her kindness and hard work, saying she was always on top of things.

Marciniw was celebrated as a respected pilot whose name had become part of the helicopter’s identity. The anchors thanked both colleagues for their years of service and expressed gratitude for the impact they had on viewers across Southern California.

The anchors also extended heartfelt condolences to Moreno’s and Marciniw’s families, friends, and fellow reporters. They emphasized the enduring impact these colleagues had on viewers across Southern California.

The station’s community has come together to support each other during this difficult time. Tributes from colleagues and viewers alike have poured in across social media platforms.

As NBC4 Los Angeles moves forward, it remembers the dedication of Moreno and Marciniw while honoring their memory through ongoing reporting and community support. The station’s viewers are encouraged to keep them in mind as they continue to cover Southern California news.