This Sunday morning, January 26, 2020 our week started off with some really sad news. The Black Mamba, Laker Legend, Kobe Bean Bryant passed away in a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. However you knew him, he was known to be a wonderful family man, Oscar winner and Laker GOAT. Kobe Bryant and 8 other passengers, including his own daughter Gianna Maria Onore (aka Gigi) were on board to The Mamba Academy in Newbury Park, California. All 9 passengers on the helicopter died at the scene and have been identified as:
- Kobe Bryant
- Gianna Bryant
- John Altobelli
- Keri Altobelli
- Alyssa Altobelli
- Sarah Chester
- Payton Chester
- Christina Mauser
- Ara Zobayan (the pilot)
The cause of the crash is still being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. Kobe Bryant's known to fly to and from places in his Sikorsky S-76B helicopter since he played for the Lakers. Audio reports reveal the helicopter pilot, Ara Zobayan was given clearance to fly under worse-than-normal conditions. The Sikorsky S-76B costs approximately $13-million and can seat up to 12 people. Sikorsky tweeted this (see above):
Prayers going out to all the family's involved. May they all rest in peace.
The entire sports world is in mourning. Read some of the reactions on social media: