NBA Super-Star and philanthropist Kobe Bryant was reported dead January 26 after a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
At the age of 41, Bryant had already built up a notable career. After being drafted into the NBA at 17 he quickly rose to stardom, being heralded as “one of the greats” by fellow player Michael Jordan. Bryant, in addition to being an 18-time All-Star player and the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player(MVP), was also known for his philanthropy, being the founding contributor to the National Museum of African-American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and with the help of his wife, the co-founder of the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation.
“I grew up watching him,” senior Justin Brower said. “I’m not going to say he was my favorite player, but it hurts your heart when you see somebody that good die.”
Brower is a player on the Northwood Boys’ Varsity Basketball team and was not the only student devastated by the news of Bryant’s untimely passing.
“My brother was very into basketball,” sophomore Kathryn Oestereich said. “I got a text from him a few minutes after the news was released.”
Bryant was only one of nine killed in the crash, the other victims included Giana Bryant, the 13-year-old daughter of Vanessa and Kobe Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan.
Witnesses at the scene were quick to call emergency responders.
“A helicopter crashed into a mountain,” one caller said. “We heard it and now I’m looking at the flames.”
“I’m walking on a trail and I could hear this plane, as if it was in the clouds but couldn’t see it,” another caller said. “Then we just heard a boom and a dead sound, and I could see the flames.” The caller continued to describe the crash, saying that “whatever crashed into the hill was also on fire.”
“I was just thinking to myself, if this guy doesn’t have night vision, he’s completely IFR,” another caller told dispatchers, referring to the instrument flight rules.
Vanessa Bryant, after just three days, spoke up about the tragedy, making a heart-felt Instagram post.
“My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time,” Vanessa, mother of Giana and wife of Kobe, wrote. “Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them. We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately.There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved. We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever.”
Kobe and Gianna Bryant are survived by Vanessa and Gianna’s three sisters: Natalia, Bianka and Capri. Vanessa Bryant, the now widow and single mother of three, continues to speak publicly about her loss and grief.
“Our love for them is endless — and that’s to say, immeasurable.” Vanessa wrote on Instagram. “I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever.”
Photo credit to Celebrity Insider
