Kobe Bryant Dies In Helicopter Crash In History January 26, 2020

JAKARTA - On January 26, 2020, the world of sports lost the most accomplished basketball athlete, Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles Lakers legend has died in a helicopter crash in California. The five-time NBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist has died aged 41.

Kobe Bryant's helicopter with his daughter, Gianna Bryant, crashed on a hillside near Calabasas, California. The flight manifest lists nine people on board - one pilot and eight passengers - none of whom survived. Gianna Bryant, who was 13 at the time, died in the crash.

"Over the course of 20 seasons, Kobe has shown us what is possible when extraordinary talent combines with absolute devotion to victory," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement, citing The Washington Post.

“He is one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with legendary achievements. He will be most remembered for inspiring people around the world to choose basketball and compete to the best of their abilities. He has been generous with the wisdom he has and sees it as a mission to share it with future generations of players, happy to pass on his love of the game (basketball) to Gianna."

According to a report, the crash was caused by the fact that the crash area had low clouds and limited visibility, which may have obscured the highlands. The accident also sparked a quarter-acre bushfire, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. A few hours after the crash, white smoke from the helicopter was seen.

Citing a VOI article entitled "What We Know About the Helicopter Crash That Caused Kobe Bryant's Death", authorities said the helicopter was flying at a low altitude of 400-600 feet. The helicopter pilot at the time, Ara Zobayan, was also asked to remain so until they arrived at their destination. Zobayan agreed.

Shortly after there was a change of operator at the air traffic control office, the pilot continued his journey to a mountainous area with minimal visibility. When communication resumed with the new men on duty, the pilot stated he was up above the clouds by up to 4,000 feet due to weather conditions. Moments later, the helicopter descended at high speed and crashed.

Five years earlier, Zobayan had been warned for not having a flight permit in a low-visibility area. He was then asked to comply with the rules.

Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's wife, has filed a lawsuit claiming that the pilot was primarily responsible for the crash. What should also be underlined is, there is no black box in the helicopter.

Kobe Bryant regularly traveled by helicopter during and after his NBA career. A large crowd of fans quickly descended on the crash site to pay their respects.

The accident must have shocked the whole world. Kobe Bryant set to host the Grammy Awards. But finally the Grammys made a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter.

Los Angeles Airport, the Empire State Building and the Burj Khalifa are all lit up in purple and yellow, the colors of the Lakers, in honor of Bryant. Shaquille O'Neal, Bryant's longtime partner and sometimes rival, said he "has no words to express the pain" he feels over Kobe Bryant's death.

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