On January 26, 2020, a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter went down in the city of Calabasas, California. The crash took place 48 km northwest of downtown Los Angeles and the flight took off from John Wayne Airport. Unfortunately, all nine people were killed and among the deceased passengers were retired professional basketball player Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter Gianna.
The Whole Incident
The accident took place around 9:06am in Calabasas, California. As per sources, all passengers were heading to a basketball game at Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy. Apparently Kobe was expected to coach Gianna’s team over there. Some flight records also shedded some light on the fact that the helicopter completed the exact same journey a day before the crash that too without any incidents.
Regardless, the helicopter crashed and caught fire in Calabasas near Las Virgenes Road, reports a 911 emergency call. The exact spot of the crash was a hillside right behind the headquarters of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. The hillside was a public land. Most of the helicopter (cabin and cockpit) were destroyed imminently by the blunt impact of fire. Some witnesses also reported that the helicopter’s engine was “sputtering” before the crash. While some report that they saw the helicopter flying into the ground at a “significant speed”.
The crash subsequently enabled a 1000 meter square brush fire which was quite difficult to extinguish. That’s because at the crash site there were traces of magnesium. However, the Los Angeles County Fire Department reacted first and completely extinguished the fire by 10:30am. Similarly, paramedics came through another helicopter only to find zero survivors. Everyone was found dead until they reached the crash site. According to Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, all of the nine passengers died due to the blunt trauma.
Derek Fisher Kobe Bryant Wife
Apparently, some photos circulated on the internet subsequently hinting towards basketball player Derek Fisher dating Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant. The fact that Kobe and Derek were best friends, people have imminently declared Vanessa Bryant off limits to him. Well Derek also has a vast history of going after peoples wives. Matt Barnes once explained why he beat up Derek for dating his wife without him even knowing. Matt and Derek were also close friends.
Who Is Kobe Bryant’s Uncle?
Kobe’s uncle, John Arthur “Chubby” Cox III was also an American professional basketball player. Chubby Cox was a well regarded player of his time and it is said that by watching him, Kobe developed the love for basketball.
Kobe Bryant Remains
LACFD’s chief Anthony Marrone says that he never ordered his personnel to taken photos of remains after Kobe Bryant’s helicopter crashed in 2020.