Who are the victims of the Chatsworth bus and helicopter crashes? – NBC Los Angeles

Several families’ lives changed this week after back-to-back tragedies occurred in Chatsworth, claiming the lives of five people.

The devastating chain of events began Tuesday at about 5 p.m. after a suspected DUI driver traveling the wrong way T-boned a Metro bus near the intersection of Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue. Just two hours later, a news helicopter gathering coverage on the crash for NBCLA and Telemundo 52 went down between two commercial buildings on the 9100 block of North Mason Avenue.

Two people died in the first crash. They were identified as 31-year-old Gage Weida and 46-year-old Daniel Castillo.

Three people died in the second crash. Pilot George Marciniw and aerial reporter Eliana Moreno, 38, were aboard NewsChopper4 when it went down. Both occupants died, as well as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia, who was on the ground at the time.

Daniel Castillo

NBCLA

NBCLA

Castillo had just boarded a Metro bus after work and was heading home when a suspected DUI driver slammed into the bus.

A father of four, Castillo was described as a jokester who lit up every room he entered. His loved ones said his joy was infectious and he brought happiness to others.

“He was just amazing. His family was everything to him,” Francis Sandoval, Castillo’s cousin, said. “His laugh was contagious; he always had us laughing. Any time Danny was around, it was a blast.”

Johaunna Castillo, a daughter of Danny’s, said her father was loved by many, and several of his loved ones drove to the scene of the crash so they could all be together.

“There are so many people that cared about him,” she said.

Gage Weida

NBCLA

NBCLA

Weida was on his way to work when the bus crash happened. Ever dependable, Weida’s absence from his job sparked concern among his colleagues, who learned shortly after what transpired.

“He was innocent. He didn’t make it to work,” Alison Silva, his coworker, said. “He was always very punctual so, when he wasn’t there at 6 o’clock, and then we saw the article about the scene, everyone at work was just really touched.”

At a vigil held for the victims, Weida’s longtime partner, Autumn Raiff, said they had been together for eight years. She also added that his birthday would have been on Saturday.

“He was one in a million,” Raiff said. “He deserved so much better. We were planning so much for our lives.”

Edy Gutierrez Mejia

NBCLA

NBCLA

Mejia had only been in town for two days when NewsChopper4 crashed.

Mejia was visiting from Cuilapa, Guatemala to purchase a car with the intention of selling it back home, his told Telemundo 52, NBCLA’s sister station.

Mejia’s hometown published a social media post about his death, issuing the following statement:

“The Municipality of Cuilapa and the Mayor, Mrs. Alcaldesa, mourn the tragic passing of the young man Edy Fernando Gutiérrez Mejia, better known as “Pichi,” whose soul has now rest in peace. We offer our prayers for eternal rest and ask our Lord God to grant the family much patience during these moments of sorrow.”

George Marciniw

George Marciniw

George Marciniw

Marciniw was a pilot, instructor, churchgoer, a regular at his favorite neighborhood bar, a beloved neighbor and much more. He was piloting NewsChopper4 when it suddenly went down for reasons still under investigation.

A graduate of Burbank High School, Marciniw loved his hometown and his career. After a night in the sky, he could regularly be found at The Blue Room. There, he often enjoyed a sip of water or soda water and liked to play DJ by selecting songs from the jukebox.

“His infectious smile. And his heart. So friendly. Never had problems with anybody,” Leonard Colón, a longtime friend of Marciniw, said when asked what he’d miss most about him. “Just a fun guy to be around.”

Marciniw grew up going to the Ukrainian Catholic Church in East Hollywood and continued attending in adulthood. In addition to being a skilled pilot, he had a gifted green thumb.

“We have all this beautiful lavender that grows because he planted it,” Brea Angelo, Marciniw’s neighbor, said. “…I hope whoever, I hope they keep the lavender, and the honeysuckle,” she said. “The sweetness — that’s really representative of him. He was really sweet and kind.”

Eliana Moreno

Eliana Moreno

Eliana Moreno

Moreno’s name has become synonymous with aviation enthusiasm since she was known to share her love of flying with the community. Her reporting on police pursuits made her a trusted aerial reporter for Southern California and beyond.

The aerial reporter grew up in Orange County and had known since the age of 11 that she wanted to be a reporter. She earned her degree in broadcast journalism and political science from Chapman University and went on to fulfill her ambition. 

“Through hard work and courage, she turned that dream into a reality,” Moreno’s family said in a statement. “So much of that journey was made possible by all of you who welcomed her into your homes and onto your screens. Your support meant more to her than you may ever know.”

An avid sports fan, Moreno was known to root for the Lakers, the Dodgers and the Rams. She was engaged to her loving fiancé and had pet dogs.