by Carly D’Alessandro

CALABASAS, CA- On Sunday, January 26, 2020, the death of former basketball player, Kobe Bryant, was reported. Kobe Bryant was on his way to a youth basketball game with his daughter Gianna Bryant, age 13 when the helicopter crashed. Sources say that baseball coach, John Altobelli, his wife (Keri Altobelli), and his daughter (Alyssa Altobelli) were also on the helicopter during this incident.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Air Support Divisions didn’t let their helicopters fly until later in the afternoon due to some heavy fog. Sources say the crash was due to weather conditions and the likelihood of a catastrophic twin-engine failure was unlikely. Bryant was scheduled to coach Sunday in a game at his Mamba Sports Academy. Christina Mauser, Bryant’s top assistant coach on the travel basketball team, was also killed when the helicopter crashed. Sarah and Payton Chester were the last two people on the helicopter reported dead. Sarah and Payton were two highly involved people in the community and were said to be very welcoming people. Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife, spoke out three3 days after the incident to thank everyone for the love and support during this horrific time. She talked about what amazing people Kobe and Gianna were and how she and her daughters were grieving for the others who passed during the accident.

The nine people who passed on Sunday, January 26 were pilot, Ara Zobayan, Kobe and Gianna Bryant, John, Keri, and Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, and Sarah and Payton Chester. Each person holds a special place in someone’s heart and will be deeply missed.

Thoughts and prayers go out to each family as they grieve and mourn the death of their family. They all will be deeply missed and will always be remembered for the amazing things they accomplished.