Kobe Bryant Dies in a Devastating Helicopter Crash with Daughter Gianna

Always looking for a challenge, Kobe Bryant was a 17 time all star, 2 time olympic gold medalist and 5 time NBA champion. The world will remember his name.

Tyra Hughes, Editor in Chief|January 26, 2020

The entire country froze when the TMZ broke the news that Kobe Bryant, retired LA Lakers athlete and 5 time NBA champion, died in a helicopter crash in Southern California.

It is speculated that the weather might have interfered with causing the crash, but there are no reports stating the exact cause of the crash as of yet. 

With much confusion and speculation surrounding his death, following this news the nation was shaken to the core when ABC reported that his eldest daughter aged 13, Gianna (GiGi) Bryant, died while on board with him.  Alongside them was Gigi’s teammate, Alyssa, daughter of Orange Coast College (OCC) baseball coach John Altobelli and his wife Keri who also was killed from the crash.

Kobe and Gigi were on their way to Mamba Academy where Gigi was going to play at a basketball game. With a future in basketball that awaited her, Gigi exhibited the same passion for the sport as her father did. According to CNN reporter, Brian Stelter, following his retirement, Kobe reflected that was “the first time he saw the game through her eyes”. 

He taught his daughter the game as the whole country adored their relationship and dedication to basketball, and now the nation mourns his death and the legacy that he left behind. 

A father of 4 daughters with a 7 month old baby named Capri born just last June, Kobe is survived by his wife Vanessa Bryant and his daughters Natalia (aged 17) and Bianka (aged 3).

Earlier today, the Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Philadelphia where Kobe played on the Varsity basketball team, representatives spoke on their condolences for Kobe’s death.

“Our school community will always be grateful for his ardent [passion]… and support for our girls and boys basketball team”

David Lasmen, childhood friend of Bryant reflected: 

“This is surreal… a moment of reflection just thinking about all the times we’ve had playing basketball.”

Always looking for a challenge, Kobe Bryant was a 17 time all star, 2 time Olympic gold medalist and 5 time NBA champion. The world will remember his name. There are not many stars that are remembered solely by their first name, but Kobe Bryant is one of them. 

This is a loss that was hard for a lot of people to accept as many people admired his work ethic and drive that he carried even after his retirement from basketball in 2016.