Vanessa Bryant, the widow of basketball icon Kobe Bryant, is to sue the owner of the helicopter he died in, according to reports.
Kobe lost his life after being involved in a helicopter crash on 26 January 2020 at the age of 41.
He and Vanessa’s daughter Gianna, 13, was also on board and tragically died.
The helicopter had been flying through foggy weather in Calabasas, California when the incident occurred and all nine people on board were killed.
According to AP, 37-year-old Vanessa has now filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the helicopter company in question.
The lawsuit named Island Express Helicopters Inc and was filed at Los Angeles Superior Court, and claimed the pilot was careless and negligent in eight different ways.
The pilot was named Ara Zobayan, and the lawsuit targets an unnamed representative for him.
(Picture: EPA)
The National Transportation Safety Board is yet to determine the cause of the crash, but has said it was not a mechanical failure.
The news comes as Vanessa spoke at a public ceremony today in honour of her husband and daughter.
Speaking about Gianna, Vanessa said: ‘She was always thoughtful, always kissed me good night and good morning.
‘She knew how much her kisses meant to me and she was so thoughtful.
‘She was Daddy’s girl but I know she loved her Momma. She was one of my very best friends.’
Beautiful words.
The emotional event at the Staples Center in LA also saw a performance from superstar Beyonce, who sang her classic songs XO and Halo.
Kobe and Gianna are survived by Vanessa and her kids Natalia Bryant, 17, Bianka, three, and eight-month-old Capri.
RIP.
Metro.co.uk contacted reps of Kobe’s estate for comment.
Got a showbiz story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Shaquille O’Neal opens up on Kobe Bryant ‘special’ bond with his children
