From our January issue.
Though life is full of miracles, it has its mysteries, and some mysteries leave scars on one’s heart. On January 26th of 2020, basketball legend Kobe Bryant was taken from the world, but his legacy and legend continues beyond him through contributions from society.
Kobe Bryant was a 41-year-old man who was a friend to all, even his competition; he was one of the NBA’s most known players: captain of the Lakers, an NBA All-Star MVP, and a father.
His journey began right after highschool when he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 and then later got traded off to the Los Angeles Lakers to be their shooting guard. He then led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championship wins with Shaquille O’Neal, and later became the face of the Lakers after O’Neal joined the Miami Heat. This gave him the chance to win multiple awards and titles, like two-time Olympic gold medalist, MVP award, and the “Finals MVP” award.
However, after years and years of playing basketball, he retired on April 13th of 2016, and later wrote “Dear Basketball” on The Player Tribune.
“This season is all I have left to give. My heart can take the pounding. My mind can handle the grind but my body knows it’s time to say goodbye, and that’s OK. I’m ready to let you go,” wrote Kobe Bryant.
Then on the fateful day, at about 9:06 a.m, Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant, and seven others were making there way to “Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy” to attend a basketball tournament that Bryant was scheduled to be coaching for his daughter, as well Alyssa Altobelli and Peyton Chester.
It was said that the helicopter went the same distance the day before with no problems. The helicopter ride would last about 30 minutes, in contrast to a two hour car ride, so to make things quicker they took the helicopter. Everything seemed fine until the Los Angeles County Fire Department received a report of a crash at 9:47 a.m. against the hillside near Las Virgenes Road and Willow Glen Street, only about 5 minutes away from destination.
No one survived the accident.
The only report of the incident was that the pilot was given permission to take flight in heavy fog, while trying to avoid the cloud layer. Additionally, it was hard to communicate with said pilot due to there being no black box in the helicopter (which was not required).
A year ago, a legend and 7 lives were taken and though death is mysterious, Kobe Bryant has not been forgotten. Although there is focus on the basketball superstar, there is still a need to respect those that were affected the most.
Vanessa Bryant, wife of Kobe Bryant and mother of three girls, including Gianna Bryant, has requested the media and fans to remember them in a noble way. Vanessa Bryant also asks social media users to be considerate in the icon’s death and to keep from posting disturbing images of the crash, and instead remember her husband and daughter in a more lighthearted way.
Furthermore, as a way of remembering Kobe Bryant, The Player Tribune has been posting respectful videos, pictures, and family members recurring the memories with him. Those who wish to remember Kobe Bryant can do so in January— take the time to remember the wonderful life of a legend who inspired thousands.
