Reporter Eliana Moreno tragically lost her life earlier this month in Los Angeles. The KNBC news helicopter she was aboard suddenly and inexplicably crashed to the ground in a commercial parking lot. Pilot George Marciniw, 70, and pedestrian Edy Gutierrez Meija, 29, also perished. Moreno, 38, was covering a fatal accident that occurred involving a Metro bus and an SUV. Her fiance, Robert Barrientos, is now breaking his silence to talk about the woman he loved.
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Per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Eliana Moreno's primary cause of death was "blunt trauma," along with "thermal injuries and inhalation of products of combustion."
"Her Memory Will Live in My Heart"
Barrientos wrote a long, sad post on Instagram about the life he joyously planned with Eliana Moreno. It's clear that she was very special to him in many ways that can never be replicated. He posted several poignant photos and videos as well. They show either her or the two of them dancing, affectionately holding dogs, and just enjoying their time together. Now, Robert Barrientos' dreams of their future are dashed forever. Nevertheless, he holds on to his precious memories of Moreno from happier times.
He wrote in part, "I want to thank everyone for all the love and prayers I've received this passed (sic) week. I don't have the words to express the pain I feel in my heart from losing my love Eliana this way. Eliana loved and was passionate about what she did, I would sometimes joke with her as she left for work that she was leaving to her favorite place. We had plans to one day retire and move to Tennessee have some land and care for some animals. Although those dreams are over, her memory will live in my heart and soul forever."
"My Heart Aches for Her Return"
Barrientos sorrowfully went on, "...I miss Eliana with every part of my body and soul. My heart aches for her return and wish I could hold her in my arms and tell her I love her. I want to thank my sons Andrew and Brian, my family, Eliana's father and the rest of her family for showing me so much love during the hardest time of my life...My heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragedy. May God be with us and protect us"
