Robert Barrientos, fiancé of KNBC reporter Eliana Moreno, posted an emotional Instagram tribute after Moreno died in a KNBC helicopter crash in Los Angeles on Sept. 15. The crash also killed pilot George Marciniw, 70, and bystander Edy Gutierrez Mejia, 29. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said Moreno died of blunt force trauma, with thermal injuries and inhalation contributing. Barrientos recalled her passion for journalism, their plans to retire in Tennessee, and thanked family and friends for their support.
Fiancé Mourns KNBC Reporter Eliana Moreno: 'My Heart Aches' After Fatal L.A. Helicopter Crash
Eliana MorenoCredit: Eliana Moreno/Instagram
Robert Barrientos, the fiancé of KNBC reporter Eliana Moreno, published a heartfelt Instagram tribute on Sept. 22 after Moreno was among three people killed when a KNBC helicopter crashed in Los Angeles on Sept. 15.
Tribute From Her Fiancé
In his post, Barrientos thanked everyone who has offered "love and prayers" since the crash that also claimed the lives of pilot George Marciniw, 70, and bystander Edy Gutierrez Mejia, 29. Moreno was 38. "I don't have the words to express the pain I feel in my heart from losing my love Eliana this way," he wrote.
Eliana MorenoCredit: Eliana Moreno/Instagram
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined Moreno's death was caused by blunt force trauma, and noted that thermal injuries and inhalation of products of combustion also contributed to her passing.
Remembering Moreno
Barrientos remembered Eliana as deeply passionate about journalism and devoted to her work. The couple often joked that her workplace felt like home, and they had planned to retire in Tennessee where they envisioned owning land and caring for animals. "Those dreams are gone now," he wrote, "but her memory will live in my heart and soul forever."
Eliana Moreno (left) and George Marciniw (right)Credit: George Marciniw/Facebook
"Eliana was simply amazing - loving, kind, compassionate, giving, intelligent and extremely silly. If you knew Eliana, she had the best sense of humor."
Barrientos also highlighted Moreno's love for her two dogs, Penrose and Fullerton, and expressed how deeply he misses her. He closed the post by thanking his support network — including his two sons and Moreno's family — for the comfort they've provided during "the hardest time" of his life. The Instagram tribute included photos and videos of the couple together.
Career And Background
Moreno graduated from Chapman University with degrees in broadcast journalism and political science. According to KNBC, she had been reporting Los Angeles breaking news from the air since 2010, building a reputation for dedication and professionalism.
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