By Megan Soto, Staff Reporter
In loving memory of: Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli,
Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Ara Zobayan, Sarah Chester, and Peyton Chester
Kobe Bryant
On the morning of Jan. 26, NBA legend Kobe Bryant (41) and eight others died in a tragic helicopter accident in Calabasas, California on the way to a basketball tournament.
Due to the dense fog and poor weather conditions that morning, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) grounded helicopter flights. Though there are conflicting sources, most say pilot Ara Zobayan was given special clearance by air traffic control to continue flying. Zobayan had trouble seeing the level of altitude because of the fog. This led him to crash into a hill, thus igniting the helicopter in a burst of flames, killing those inside.
Though Kobe’s passing was tragic, the world will remember him in a light of graciousness and positivity. Kobe had endless accomplishments not only in his basketball career, but in impacting the entire world.
Kobe was a five time NBA champion, 17 time NBA All-Star, two time NBA finals MVP, two time Olympic gold medalist, and so much more. Kobe was well known not only for his immense talent, but brilliant work ethic, infinite efforts, and persistent dedication. The NBA legend served as a role model for not only the rising youth, but adults as well.
Outside of basketball, Kobe produced several works of art. In 2015, he wrote a poem entitled “Dear Basketball,” which he later turned into a short film as executive producer. Kobe won the Academy Award for best animated short film that same year. In 2018, Kobe published his own book entitled “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play,” in which he shared his methods in dedicating himself to basketball.
Kobe took his success in basketball and applied it to helping people all over the world. Not only did he support numerous charities, but also started an organization of his own with his wife, Vanessa Bryant. The Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF) is an organization solely dedicated to helping families in need, both domestically and globally, as well as encouraging the youth to stay active through athletics. The KVBFF branches out to multiple programs: Mamba FC, My Friends Place, Step Up on Second, and Homewalk.
To honor Kobe, the All-Star Game MVP award has been renamed to the Kobe Bryant MVP award and the Staples Center held a public memorial on Feb. 24. Vanessa has promoted more awareness to Kobe’s corporation, the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Academy, as she hopes to collect donations to support families affected by the tragedy. Vanessa seeks to empower athletes all over the world to carry on Kobe and Gianna’s legacy.
Kobe impacted the world inside the basketball realm and out, and shall be remembered as a basketball legend, global influencer, and a loving father.
Gianna "Gigi" Bryant
Kobe’s daughter, Gianna (13), also passed away in Jan. 26 the helicopter accident.
Just beginning her teen years, Gianna, more commonly known as Gigi, was beginning to develop a true passion for basketball, continuing her father’s legacy by following in his footsteps.
Since retiring in 2016, Kobe began to spend more time coaching for Gigi’s team and watching professional games with her, strengthening their irreplaceable bond. Kobe would always explain how the press would tell him he needed to have a boy to carry on his legacy. Gigi would respond with, “I got this,” and Kobe knew she truly did. With the time Gigi had, she most definitely carried on Kobe’s legacy as an exceptionally hard worker and dedicated basketball player.
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