Kobe and Gianna Bryant passed away in the fatal helicopter crash five years ago today … but, their legacy lives on — through tributes and new projects they’ve inspired.
As you know … on January 26, 2020, Kobe and Gigi — along with 6 other passengers and the pilot — were killed after their helicopter crashed on their way to Thousand Oaks for basketball practice.
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According to a later investigation … the pilot of the craft was at fault for the crash — with investigators saying he flew into the clouds, became disoriented and ultimately crashed.
Their deaths — and pictures taken at the crash site — led to a series of lawsuits filed by Vanessa Bryant … winning nearly $30 million from L.A. County in early 2023.
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An outpouring of love and support for Kobe and Gigi followed the crash … including a statue of the two being put up at the crash site — in the aftermath of their deaths and a huge star-studded memorial was held at Crypto.com arena.
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Kobe received a statue outside the Lakers’ arena — called the Staples Center when Bryant played there — and Shaquille O’Neal said the unveiling was emotional … and, he wants his own one day.
In his 20-year career with the Lakers, Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA honoree, five-time NBA Champion and the 2007-2008 NBA MVP.
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After his career ended, Bryant expanded his business interests, and even took an interest in film … winning the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in 2018.
Last week, Vanessa Bryant announced a new book — containing pictures of all the murals dedicated to Kobe and Gigi will come out August 19 … another tribute to the gone, but not forgotten father and daughter.
Kobe was 41 and Gigi was 13.
RIP
