The family of NBC Los Angeles helicopter reporter Eliana Moreno has released its first public statement since her death in a devastating helicopter crash in Los Angeles.

Moreno, 38, was killed Tuesday while covering a serious collision involving an SUV and a Metro bus. The helicopter later crashed into a parking lot between two warehouses and burst into flames, killing Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and pedestrian Edy Gutierrez Mejia.

Family Remembers Eliana Moreno’s Lifelong Dream
In a statement shared by Moreno’s brother, Johan Moreno, on X, the family said she had dreamed of becoming a news reporter since she was 11 years old.

“Through hard work and courage, she turned that dream into a reality,” the family wrote.

They added that they found comfort in knowing Moreno died while pursuing the career she had loved since childhood.

“We are infinitely proud of her and feel incredibly blessed to have had the privilege of loving her and calling her ours,” the statement continued.

Moreno leaves behind five brothers and sisters, a fiancé, stepchildren, and dogs.

Reporter Killed While Covering Breaking News
Moreno was working aboard NBC4’s NewsChopper 4 helicopter when the aircraft was covering a deadly crash involving an SUV and a Metro bus in the Chatsworth area.

The helicopter reportedly fell from the sky moments after the news crew began covering the collision. It crashed into a parking lot and caught fire.

Moreno and pilot George Marciniw died in the crash, along with pedestrian Edy Gutierrez Mejia.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Brother Shares Emotional Tribute and Warns About Scams
Following the tragedy, Johan Moreno shared an emotional message honoring his sister.

“RIP sis, I will love you to the end of time,” he wrote on X.

He also thanked people for supporting the family during what he described as the worst day of their lives.

Johan later warned the public about online fundraisers claiming to be connected to the family. He said that neither the family nor Moreno’s fiancé was collecting donations and that any online fundraising pages were not endorsed by them.

Moreno had been engaged to Robert Barrientos for nearly a year after announcing their engagement in October 2025.

Eliana Moreno’s Career in Aerial Journalism
Moreno built a respected career covering major breaking-news events across Southern California from the air.

She worked for NBC4 Los Angeles and Telemundo 52 and had served as an aerial reporter with Angel City Air Inc., the company operating NBC’s NewsChopper 4, since 2010.

She graduated from Chapman University in 2010 with degrees in broadcast journalism and political science. She later worked for KCAL 9 and KCBS 2.

Viewers came to know her as “Eli in the Heli,” a nickname connected to her coverage of police pursuits, brush fires, traffic collisions, and other major events across Los Angeles.

Moreno had previously described aerial reporting as “the best job in the world.”

Colleagues and Family Mourn a Beloved Reporter
Following her death, colleagues at Telemundo paid tribute to Moreno, remembering her as an exceptional journalist and a beloved coworker.

Her family’s statement reflected both their grief and their pride in the career she had built.

For years, Moreno had pursued the dream she first developed as a child. Her final assignment ended in tragedy, but her family says she died doing work that meant so much to her.

The NTSB investigation into the helicopter crash remains ongoing.

Course: NY Post