Touching tribute to reporter killed in fiery chopper crash as cause remains unclear

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A beloved Southern California helicopter reporter who died in a fiery crash is getting a lasting tribute from her alma mater — helping aspiring journalists chase the same dreams she turned into reality.

Eliana Moreno’s family announced Wednesday that Chapman University has set up a scholarship in her honor, giving aspiring journalists a chance to pursue their ambitions at the school that helped launch her groundbreaking career.

Moreno died from injuries sustained when the NewsChopper4 helicopter crashed in Chatsworth on Sept. 15 while she and pilot George Marciniw were covering a deadly Metro bus collision for NBC4 and Telemundo 52. Marciniw and a bystander were also killed in the devastating crash, which remains under investigation.

The veteran journalist graduated from Chapman in 2010, and the university held a special place in her heart, her family said.

“Eliana was truly one of a kind. Yet, amid our heartbreak, we find comfort in knowing that something beautiful can grow in her memory,” the family wrote in an announcement.

“For 16 years, she soared above Southern California, breaking barriers and becoming a trusted voice for the communities below,” it added, noting her unique role being the only Hispanic bilingual helicopter reporter and camera operator in the country.

But beyond her career, the family said she is remembered for her courage, compassion, curiosity and love for others.

Rather than sending flowers, the family is encouraging those who loved Moreno and were touched by her work to make a contribution 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,” the family said.

“Scholarships helped make her dreams possible, and opened doors to a career in which she would make history and inspire countless others.”

Donations will support students at Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, helping aspiring media professionals pursue their education and prepare for careers in the industry.

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“Through this support, Eliana’s passion for storytelling, curiosity about the world, and dedication to her community will continue to inspire and create opportunities for future generations of Dodge students,” the university said.

The tribute comes as investigators continue working to determine what caused the fatal helicopter crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board recently released a preliminary report on the Sept. 15 tragedy. Live video from the helicopter provided investigators with valuable evidence, but the report did not reach a definitive conclusion about what caused the aircraft to go down.

A final report could take up to 18 months to be released.