16 beautiful pictures of Kobe and Gigi Bryant that will melt your heart
By Mark PygasAug. 13 2024, Updated 3:06 p.m. ET
In January 2020, basketball legend Kobe Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna, 13, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Alongside them, Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, their daughter Alyssa, and Christina Mauser, an assistant girls' basketball coach, also perished in the accident.
Kobe and Gianna were reportedly on their way to Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks for a basketball practice when the tragic incident took place.
Kobe's widow Vanessa Bryant, along with the families of the other victims, eventually settled wrongful death lawsuits against the helicopter company and the estate of the pilot, Ara Zobayan. The settlements concluded that the company and pilot were partially liable due to the decisions made leading up to the crash.
Following the tragic incident, tributes immediately started flooding in from around the world. In a statement, fellow Lakers player Michael Jordan wrote: "I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe's and Gianna's passing. Words can't describe the pain I'm feeling. I loved Kobe - he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply - and took great pride in his daughter's love for the game of basketball. Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world."
Four years later, they remain still sorely missed. Here are a few photos of Kobe and Gianna to continue to remember them by.
1. Kobe and Gianna Bryant attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 29, 2019.
2. Kobe warms up with Gianna during the NBA All-Star Game 2016 in Toronto, Ontario.
3. Gianna sits on Kobe's shoulders at a soccer match in 2014.
4. Kobe and Gianna attend a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks in November 2019.
5. Kobe, Natalia, Vanessa and Gianna Bryant at a Lakers game against the Boston Celtics in 2010.
6. Kobe holds Gianna after the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in 2009.
7. Kobe kisses Gianna at a press conference in 2008.
8. Kobe and Gianna kiss after Kobe's hand and footprint ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in 2011.
9. Gianna and Kobe pose for the camera at the WNBA All-Star Game in 2019.
10. Kobe and Gianna watch the Phillips 66 National Swimming Championships in 2018.
11. Kobe and family pose for a picture during Kobe's jersey retirement ceremony in 2017.
13. Kobe moves through the media to reach Vanessa and Gianna after defeating Spain in the gold medal game of the 2008 Olympics.
14. Kobe kisses Gianna after a game with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2009.
15. Kobe, Vanessa, Natalia, and Gianna pose with the Larry O' Brien Trophy after the Lakers won the 2009 NBA Finals.
16. Kobe, Vanessa, Natalia, and Gianna vist Disneyland after the Lakers won the NBA Championship in 2010.
Since their tragic passing, there have been significant legal and regulatory developments. In 2021, Vanessa Bryant and the families of the other victims reached a settlement in their wrongful death lawsuit against the helicopter company and the pilot's estate. The NTSB concluded that the crash was caused by the pilot’s spatial disorientation due to poor weather conditions, which led to the helicopter losing control. In response to this tragedy, California introduced new legislation mandating terrain awareness and warning systems in all helicopters carrying six or more passengers, a critical safety measure that aims to prevent future accidents."
This articles was originally published on January 27, 2020. It has since been updated.
