Three years ago today, a tragic helicopter crash in Los Angeles took the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others: John, Keri, and Alyssa Altobelli; Sarah and Payton Chester; Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan.
Years later, the horrific incident still weighs heavily on those who knew him best and the fans who absolutely loved him. This Thursday morning, tributes around the sports community have begun pouring in online as they remember the victims and the legacy of Bryant.
One fan said, “Can’t believe it’s been 3 years since Kobe and Gianna passed. Still can’t believe it even happened. RIP.” Another added, “Remembering Kobe & Gianna Bryant 3 years later today. Gone, but never forgotten. 💜💛🤍🕊️ #24 #MambaForever.” A third said, “We lift the memory of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna & the 7 other souls lost three years ago today. May the rod & staff of the great ‘I am’ comfort your families on this day & forever more. 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️”
3 years later, we’re still at a loss for words. 💔
We miss you Kobe and Gigi. Every day. pic.twitter.com/BsyGBbSZIe
— Kobe Highlights & Motivation (@kobehighlight) January 26, 2023
Today marks 3 years since we lost Kobe and Gigi Bryant! 🙏🏾🕊 pic.twitter.com/wU47K9xz7C
— Richard W. 🔌 (@NeverUhFlaw) January 26, 2023
can’t believe it’s been 3 years since Kobe & Gigi passed, insane.
Is and forever will be one of my favorite quotes of all-time, use it for motivation daily ❤️
— 𝙉𝘼𝙅 (@najeeadams_) January 26, 2023
3 years ago we lost Kobe, Gigi and 7 other people. I’ll never forget the shared grief and outpouring of love that took place at Staples Center. #RipLegend #MambaForever pic.twitter.com/S61CfKyd8s
— Wendy E (@Wehrl) January 26, 2023
I still remember where I was when I found out. The world stood still.
Rest easy Kobe and Gigi ❤️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/dC9T1Chro8
— Hezekiah Johnson (@HezeyJ) January 26, 2023
This is a young Kobe Bryant speaking to an interviewer in Italian. He was always destined for greatness.
RIP Kobe & Gigi Bryant and all of the other victims who lost their lives in that helicopter.pic.twitter.com/qkfRP2O7Eu
— Old Head Energy (@Cheamane) January 26, 2023
3 years ago today. Rest in Peace to Kobe, Gigi, and all the victims of the crash that day💜💛💜💛 pic.twitter.com/WuC0ErY7bE
— Cute Black Babies (@Lilblackbabies) January 26, 2023
More On What Happened January 26,2020
As it was previously reported, Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and other parents and players were flying to an all-girls basketball tournament when their helicopter crashed in the Calabasas hills west of Los Angeles in fog. Federal safety officials blamed pilot error for the wreck.
According to the LA Times, the helicopter crash was most likely caused by the pilot’s decision to fly into clouds in violation of federal rules, blinding him to his surroundings and causing him to lose control of the helicopter as he became disoriented, investigators claimed.
Life After Kobe Bryant’s Death
In a 2021 interview, his widow, Vanessa Bryant spoke with Good morning America about pushing through ‘unimaginable’ pain after losing her husband and daughter.
“This pain is unimaginable [but] you just have to get up and push forward,” she says. “Lying in bed crying isn’t going to change the fact that my family will never be the same again. But getting out of bed and pushing forward is going to make the day better for my girls and for me. So that’s what I do.”
Kobe is survived by his wife and three daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.