Who is Eliana Moreno? NBCLA aerial reporter feared aboard crashed NewsChopper 4

Eliana Moreno, a helicopter reporter, was believed by many to be covering the Chatsworth crash in Los Angeles, California, on September 15. An NBC News helicopter crashed while covering an accident in Chatsworth, where an SUV had ploughed into a Metro bus, leaving at least two people dead and six injured, according to reports.

The helicopter crash, which happened while the crew was covering the vehicular accident, left three people dead and one injured and in unknown condition. However, there is no official confirmation that Moreno was on board the helicopter at the time of the crash.

NBC LA initially said it could not get hold of its pilot or the people on board the helicopter. The network later confirmed on air that the helicopter was indeed theirs.

Who is Eliana Moreno?

Moreno is an aerial photographer and reporter who graduated from Chapman University. She works for NBC LA and TELEMUNDO 52 as part of Newschopper 4. Her X account identifies her as a journalist based out of Orange County in Los Angeles.

Her LinkedIn profile notes, “Since age eleven, Eliana knew she wanted to be a television news reporter.” Moreno holds degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science.

She is fluent in Spanish and is skilled in AVID and Final Cut editing. Her LinkedIn profile lists her as a camerawoman, anchor, producer and spokeswoman.

Talking about her work, Moreno wrote in a recent Instagram post, “Aerial photography and reporting turns smoke on the horizon into critical information that saves lives and property. That's why we need @eli_in_the_heli and NewsChopper4 giving us real-time brushfire coverage that shows scale, spread, speed, and most importantly, how firefighters are working to contain a blaze. We're honored to have them as part of Whiteman Airport, and we thank them for their crucial reporting.”

Fans worried about Eliana Moreno

Condolences began pouring in as people also expressed concern about Moreno.

USA Today journalist Lauren Jennings wrote, “I won't share the video footage from the helicopter crash but I am praying for Eliana Moreno and the pilot. Devastating to learn one person is dead.”

Another person wrote, “Just sick over this. @elianamoreno was my favorite and we know it was nbc. NBC is covering this from the ground and not saying it’s theirs, but Eliana is the only one we haven’t heard from. This is too sad. She was the sweetest and most kind-hearted person.”

Another post said, “Prayers for Eliana Moreno and everyone else on board. That shit is so sad man, life is very unpredictable.”