NBC reporter Eliana Moreno dies in helicopter crash in Los Angeles

NBC reporter Eliana Moreno was killed on September 16, 2026, when the network’s helicopter crashed in the Los Angeles area while covering a Metro bus collision. Moreno, 38, had been engaged to Robert Barrientos for nearly a year, having announced their engagement on October 28, 2025. The helicopter, operated by Angel City Air Inc., crashed in Chatsworth, resulting in the deaths of Moreno and the pilot, George Marciniw, as well as a pedestrian on the ground. Telemundo confirmed the deaths and expressed condolences, stating, "Tonight, we are in mourning. We are heartbroken. We have lost two great colleagues." Moreno, who had been an aerial reporter since 2010, was recognized for her professionalism and was described as a source of comfort to her colleagues. She graduated from Chapman University in 2010 with degrees in broadcast journalism and political science and had previously worked for KCAL 9 and KCBS 2. Moreno was known for her aerial coverage of various events, including police pursuits and traffic incidents. The helicopter crashed while she was reporting on a crash that had resulted in two fatalities and six injuries. Eyewitness accounts and live-stream footage indicated that the helicopter experienced difficulties before the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, with speculation from veteran pilot Zoey Tur suggesting possible engine failure as a cause.