On January 26, 2020, a devastating helicopter crash took the lives of 9 people, together with NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, in addition to a number of different people deeply related to the world of sports activities. The group was on their approach to a ladies’ basketball event on the Mamba Sports activities Academy in Newbury Park, California, when the Sikorsky S-76B helicopter crashed right into a hillside amid foggy circumstances close to Calabasas.
The victims of the crash
The crash was not only a private loss for the Bryant household but in addition for the broader sports activities group, which had grown keen on these on board, particularly the rising stars in youth basketball.
Bryant was not solely one of the iconic basketball gamers in historical past but in addition a distinguished mentor, businessman, and philanthropist after his retirement from the NBA in 2016.
Over his 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant amassed 5 NBA titles, solidifying his legacy as one of many biggest basketball gamers of all time. On the time of his loss of life, he had transitioned into teaching, working with youthful athletes at his Mamba Sports activities Academy.
Gianna Bryant, affectionately generally known as Gigi, was Kobe’s second-oldest daughter and a budding basketball prodigy. At simply 13 years outdated, she was a rising star on the earth of ladies’ basketball and was typically seen courtside at Lakers video games.
One other household deeply affected by the crash was the Altobellis. John Altobelli, 56, was the pinnacle coach of the Orange Coast School baseball group for 27 years, main this system to 4 state championships.
Recognized for his dedication to the sport, Altobelli’s legacy as a coach left an enduring influence on his athletes. His spouse, Keri, and their 14-year-old daughter Alyssa, who was a teammate of Gianna’s, additionally misplaced their lives.
Christina Mauser, a coach for the Mamba Sports activities Academy, was one other sufferer of the crash. She was described as witty, heat and extremely gifted.
Sarah Chester, 45, and her 13-year-old daughter Payton have been additionally killed within the crash. Payton was a gifted basketball participant who performed alongside Gianna, and her household described her as somebody who all the time noticed the very best in others.
Sarah, the “coronary heart of the household,” was a devoted mom and spouse, remembered fondly by her husband Chris Chester.
Ara Zobayan, the pilot of the helicopter, was an skilled teacher and constitution pilot, well-known for flying many celebrities, together with Kylie Jenner. Zobayan was regarded for his professionalism within the subject, and he tragically misplaced his life alongside the others.
