We have now learned that 41-year-old NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, are two of the nine passengers that are confirmed dead due to a helicopter crash that occurred in Calabasas, California. The investigation is still ongoing, and the LA County Sheriff, Alex Villanueva, is encouraging everyone to wait for an official report from the coroner’s office before the names of the deceased are released.
As a sports fan that considers Kobe Bryant one of the greatest to ever live during my generation, this news is shocking and quite hard to digest. My sympathy and condolences go out to the Bryant family and the families of the victims whose lives were also lost as well. The news of learning his daughter is also deceased adds even further heartache to this horrific tragedy.
Although I never met Kobe personally, he was undoubtedly interwoven throughout my life in more ways than one. As a fellow Virgo born in August, I remember Kobe’s career when it began and watched him throughout the years. Kobe’s tenacity for greatness is aspirational and impeccable, to say the least.
Our hearts, prayers, and condolences go out to everyone mourning this loss of these lives, and we pray for continued strength in the days, months, and years to come.
We will update this post with more news as it is released by the authorities.
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Update January 26, 2019 – 11:30 p.m. CST
Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley has confirmed the names of further victims in today’s helicopter crash that has taken the lives of Kobe and Gianna Bryant.
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Update: January 27, 2020 – 6:44 a.m. CST
The following names have been released as the remaining victims on board the tragic helicopter crash.
Mother and daughter, Sarah and Payton Chester
Pilot Ara Zobayan
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families during this difficult time.
