The Loss of Kobe Bryant
By: Irvin Guillermo
On Sunday, January 26, 2020, a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter crashed above the hills of Calabasas in California. Nine passengers were on board and killed in the crash due to foggy conditions. Former NBA star Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester and Ara Zobayan were the victims identified by the Los Angeles Police Department. The helicopter had departed from Orange County and was on its way to a basketball game at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California.
Kobe Bryant’s death was first reported by TMZ and the horrific tragedy impacted people everywhere. Fans of Kobe Bryant gathered near Las Virgenes Road and Willow Glen Street in Calabasas, the site of the helicopter crash, to pay their respects to the NBA legend and the eight others that lost their lives that Sunday morning. This however pushed authorities to close several roads near the crash site to prevent more people from approaching the area while they investigated.
The Grammy Awards took place the same day as Kobe Bryant’s passing at the Staples Center where Kobe regularly played for the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant was honored at the Grammy Awards by Alicia Keyes and Boyz II Men when they sang “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” in front of a live audience. Outside of the Staples Center, another fan memorial was held, and fans visited wearing Bryant’s jerseys leaving flowers, shoes, candles and cards around the Staples Center. Wife of Kobe Bryant and mother of Gianna Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, also thanked fans for their support and prayers through Instagram on Wednesday, January 29th.
The Lakers were originally scheduled to face the Clippers at the Staples Center on Tuesday, January 28th, but the game was postponed. However, the Lakers would play their first game since Kobe’s death later that week on Friday, January 31st against the Portland Trail Blazers. A pregame ceremony paid tribute to Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and the seven other people killed in a helicopter crash. Every seat inside the Staples Center was covered with Kobe jerseys for fans to take home as souvenirs. Singer, songwriter and dancer, Usher, performed “Amazing Grace,” and a video montage was shown. Current Lakers player, Lebron James, delivered an emotional speech about Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi while wearing his friend’s Lakers jersey.
The MambaOnThree Fund has recently been set up to help the families affected by the event that occurred on January 26th. Should you wish to donate to the MambaOnThree Fund, please visit www.MambaOnThree.org.
