Scholarship Fund Set for Reporter Who Died in Chatsworth Helicopter Crash
ORANGE, Calif. (KESQ) - Chapman University has established a scholarship fund in memory of Eliana Moreno, the NBC4 reporter who died along with two other people in the September crash of a news helicopter in Chatsworth, her family announced today.
Moreno, 38, was born in Orange County and graduated from Chapman University in 2010 with degrees in broadcast journalism and political science.
"Today, we are deeply honored to share that Chapman University has established a special giving opportunity in Eliana's memory to support scholarships for students at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts,'' Moreno's family wrote in an announcement Wednesday. "Eliana was a proud Chapman alumna, Class of 2010, and the university held a special place in her heart. Scholarships helped make her dreams possible, and opened doors to a career in which she would make history and inspire countless others.
"In lieu of flowers, we invite those who loved Eliana and whose lives she touched to consider making a gift in her memory. Our hope is that, through these scholarships, another student will have the opportunity to follow a dream, find a voice and pursue a future once thought out of reach.''
Donations to the fund can be made at bit.ly/elianamoreno.
The crash of NewsChopper4 occurred just before 7 p.m. Sept. 15 between two commercial buildings at 9151 Mason Ave., near Nordhoff Street, in Chatsworth.
Moreno and pilot George Marciniw were killed aboard the helicopter, which was operated by Angel City Air and provided news coverage for NBC4 and its Spanish-language sister station, Telemundo 52.
Moreno and Marciniw were both employees of Angel City Air.
A third person died on the ground. That person was identified by the county medical examiner as Edy Gutierrez Mejia, 29.
Moreno joined the Angel City Air helicopter team in September 2010 and reported for several Southern California media outlets. According to her family, Moreno "held a rare place in broadcast journalism as the only female Hispanic bilingual helicopter reporter and camera operator in the nation.''
"For 16 years, she soared above Southern California, breaking barriers and becoming a trusted voice for the communities below,'' her family said.
