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Kobe Bryant family settles photo lawsuit for $28.5 million
Read full article: Kobe Bryant family settles photo lawsuit for $28.5 millionThe family of the late Kobe Bryant has agreed to settle legal issues surrounding photos of the body of the NBA star and others who were killed in a 2020 helicopter crash.
Kobe Bryant widow awarded $16M in trial over crash photos
Read full article: Kobe Bryant widow awarded $16M in trial over crash photosA federal jury has found that Los Angeles County must pay Kobe Bryant’s widow $16 million for emotional distress caused by deputies and firefighters sharing photos of the bodies of the NBA star and his daughter taken at the site of the 2020 helicopter crash that killed them.
Kobe Bryant's widow says crash photos turned grief to horror
Read full article: Kobe Bryant's widow says crash photos turned grief to horrorKobe Bryant's widow Vanessa testified she was only beginning to grieve the loss of her husband and their 13-year-old daughter in a helicopter crash when she was faced with the fresh horror of learning that deputies and firefighters had shared photos of their remains.
Lawyer: Photos of Kobe Bryant's remains shared 'for a laugh'
Read full article: Lawyer: Photos of Kobe Bryant's remains shared 'for a laugh'A lawyer for the widow of Kobe Bryant told jurors that a “culture of callousness” led Los Angeles County deputies and firefighters to share photos of the remains of Kobe Bryant and other victims of the 2020 helicopter crash that killed the Lakers star, his 13-year-old daughter, and seven others.
Bid fails to dismiss Kobe Bryant crash photos lawsuit
Read full article: Bid fails to dismiss Kobe Bryant crash photos lawsuitLawyers for Los Angeles County failed in their bid to persuade a federal judge to end Vanessa Bryant’s lawsuit over gruesome photos of the helicopter crash that killed her husband, Kobe Bryant, her daughter Gianna and seven others.
Judge: Kobe Bryant's widow must turn over therapy records
Read full article: Judge: Kobe Bryant's widow must turn over therapy recordsA judge has ruled that Kobe Bryant’s widow must turn over her therapy records to Los Angeles County in her lawsuit claiming she suffered emotional distress after first responders shared photos from the site of the helicopter crash that killed the basketball star and his teenage daughter.
Judge says Kobe's widow won't have to undergo mental exam
Read full article: Judge says Kobe's widow won't have to undergo mental examA federal judge says Kobe Bryant’s widow won’t have to undergo psychiatric testing in her lawsuit over graphic photos of the helicopter crash that killed the basketball star, her 13-year-old daughter and seven others.
Vanessa Bryant said LA sheriff promised to secure crash site
Read full article: Vanessa Bryant said LA sheriff promised to secure crash siteKobe Bryant’s widow said she pleaded with the Los Angeles County sheriff to make sure no one takes photographs from the site of the 2020 helicopter crash that killed the basketball star, and he reassured that the area had been secured.
LA County wants Vanessa Bryant to undergo psychiatric exam
Read full article: LA County wants Vanessa Bryant to undergo psychiatric examLos Angeles County is seeking to compel psychiatric evaluations for Kobe Bryant’s widow and others to determine if they truly suffered emotional distress after first responders took and shared graphic photos from the site of the helicopter crash that killed the basketball star, his teenage daughter and seven others.
Kobe Bryant’s widow to settle lawsuit over deadly crash
Read full article: Kobe Bryant’s widow to settle lawsuit over deadly crashKobe Bryant’s widow has agreed to settle a lawsuit against the pilot and owners of the helicopter that crashed last year, killing the NBA star, his daughter, Gianna, and seven others.
‘It’s an honor’: The Hall of Fame’s class of 2020 enshrined
Read full article: ‘It’s an honor’: The Hall of Fame’s class of 2020 enshrinedKobe Bryant is in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame now, along with contemporaries Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett, headliners of a group of nine who got their delayed and long-awaited enshrinement on Saturday night, more than a year after being announced as the Hall’s Class of 2020.
It's time: Duncan, Bryant, Garnett to enter Hall of Fame
Read full article: It's time: Duncan, Bryant, Garnett to enter Hall of FameVanessa Bryant got a private tour to see some of the newly remodeled Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday, viewing the exhibit that will honor the life and legacy of her late husband before the rest of the world gets their first look.
Documents: Firefighters could be fired for Bryant photos
Read full article: Documents: Firefighters could be fired for Bryant photosCourt documents say two Los Angeles County firefighters could be fired and a third suspended after first responders took and shared graphic photos from the site of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his teenage daughter and seven others.
Vanessa Bryant calls out deputies who took or shared photos of helicopter crash that killed Kobe
Read full article: Vanessa Bryant calls out deputies who took or shared photos of helicopter crash that killed KobeFILE - In this Feb. 24, 2020, file photo, Vanessa Bryant speaks during a celebration of life for her husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna in Los Angeles. The complaint names deputies Joey Cruz, Rafael Mejia, Michael Russell and Raul Versales as defendants. That’s in addition to Los Angeles County, its sheriff’s and fire departments. It also says the bartender who saw the photos shared with other customers that he had seen the pictures and described Bryant’s remains. The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs Union did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Vanessa Bryant still perseveres after Kobe, Gigi's death
Read full article: Vanessa Bryant still perseveres after Kobe, Gigi's deathFILE - In this Nov. 21, 2017, file photo, from left, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, wife Vanessa and daughter Natalia Diamante Bryant are seen before an NCAA college women's basketball game between Connecticut and UCLA, in Los Angeles. Vanessa Bryant says she is focused on finding the light in darkness in an emotional story in People magazine. She details how she attempts to push forward after her husband, Kobe Bryant, and daughter Gigi died in a helicopter crash in early 2020. Vanessa Bryant said her devotion to her daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri have been a saving grace. Vanessa Bryant said she wants to honor her husband and daughter’s legacy by creating opportunities for young female athletes.
NTSB report: Pilot felt pressure to fly Kobe Bryant to game
Read full article: NTSB report: Pilot felt pressure to fly Kobe Bryant to game“Here is a case where a pilot who is well regarded apparently got into a very bad situation,” Sumwalt said. AdThere were 184 aircraft crashes between 2010-2019 involving spatial disorientation, including 20 fatal helicopter crashes, the NTSB said. Vanessa Bryant has sued Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, and its owner, Island Express Holding Corp. She said Zobayan was not properly trained or supervised and should have aborted the flight. Island Express Helicopters Inc. denied responsibility and said the crash was “an act of God” that it could not control. Lawyers for Berge Zobayan and Island Express declined to comment on the NTSB findings.
Pilot in Kobe Bryant crash was disoriented in clouds, federal investigators say
Read full article: Pilot in Kobe Bryant crash was disoriented in clouds, federal investigators sayThe crash led to widespread public mourning for the retired basketball star and several lawsuits, and prompted state and federal legislation. There was no sign of mechanical failure and the pilot was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, investigators said. But NTSB investigator-in-charge Bill English said the system, which was not on the helicopter, would probably not have prevented the crash. Federal lawmakers have sponsored the Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act to mandate the warning systems on all helicopters carrying six or more passengers. Island Express Helicopters Inc. denied responsibility and said the crash was “an act of God” that it could not control.
Feds to name likely cause of Kobe Bryant helicopter crash
Read full article: Feds to name likely cause of Kobe Bryant helicopter crashFederal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, file)LOS ANGELES – In the year since the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant crashed into a hillside on a foggy morning, killing all nine aboard, there’s been plenty of finger-pointing over the cause of the tragedy. AdFederal lawmakers have sponsored the Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act to mandate the devices on all helicopters carrying six or more passengers. Zobayan’s brother said Kobe Bryant knew the risks of flying in a helicopter and his survivors aren’t entitled to damages from the pilot’s estate. Vanessa Bryant also sued the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, accusing deputies of sharing unauthorized photos of the crash site.
Kobe Bryant's widow slams lawsuit from mom seeking support
Read full article: Kobe Bryant's widow slams lawsuit from mom seeking supportFILE - In this Feb. 24, 2020, file photo, Vanessa Bryant speaks during a celebration of life for her husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna in Los Angeles. The 48-page lawsuit filed by Sofia Urbieta Laine, 68, claims Kobe Bryant “promised to take care” of her for life. Kobe Bryant, 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others died Jan. 26 when their helicopter crashed in the hills of Calabasas. Financial experts estimate Vanessa Bryant inherited control of an estate worth up to $600 million, the Times said. “She was a grandmother who was supported by me and her son-in-law at my request,” Vanessa Bryant said.
Vanessa Bryant sues LA sheriff over helicopter crash photos
Read full article: Vanessa Bryant sues LA sheriff over helicopter crash photosFILE - A body is covered, left, while another is seen at right at the scene of a helicopter crash that killed former NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant and eight others in Calabasas, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020. Bryant's widow Vanessa Bryant on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles County sheriff alleging negligence, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress after deputies allegedly shared unauthorized photos of the crash that killed her husband, their 13-year-old daughter and seven others. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
Vanessa Bryant sues LA sheriff over helicopter crash photos
Read full article: Vanessa Bryant sues LA sheriff over helicopter crash photosVanessa Bryant was “shocked and devastated” by the reports, the lawsuit states. The victims died when the helicopter crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, northwest of Los Angeles, during cloudy weather. The legislation was prompted by the crash photos. “Shortly following this tragic crash, Sheriff Villanueva sponsored legislation which now makes it a crime for public safety personnel to take and share non-official pictures of this nature," the statement said. The Los Angeles Times first reported the allegations that the graphic photos had been taken and disseminated in February.
Kobe Bryant's widow sues helicopter operator for deaths
Read full article: Kobe Bryant's widow sues helicopter operator for deathsLOS ANGELES, Calif. – Kobe Bryant's widow sued the owner and operator of the helicopter that crashed in fog and killed the former Los Angeles Lakers star and their 13-year-old daughter last month as she publicly mourned their deaths Monday in an emotional public ceremony. The lawsuit names Island Express Helicopters Inc., operator of the service, and Island Express Holding Corp., owner of the craft. Calls to Island Express Inc. seeking comment were not answered, and its voicemail was full. The NTSB hasn’t concluded what caused the crash on the outskirts of Los Angeles County but said there was no sign of mechanical failure. Island Express Inc. issued a statement Jan. 30 on its website saying the shock of the crash had prompted it to suspend service until it was appropriate for staff and customers.
The Latest: Kobe Bryant service ends with Oscar-winning film
Read full article: The Latest: Kobe Bryant service ends with Oscar-winning film___12:15 p.m.Tears streaming down his face, NBA legend Michael Jordan said at a public memorial that he thought of Kobe Bryant as a little brother. ___11:10 a.m.Vanessa Bryant has given mourners at a public memorial for Kobe Bryant and their daughter Gianna an intimate portrait of her husband. ___10:55 a.m.A host of NBA greats past and present are mourning at the public memorial for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. The public memorial for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna has begun at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The lawsuit was filed as a public memorial service for Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and all the victims was being held at the arena where Bryant played most of his career.
Kobe Bryant's widow expresses grief, anger in online post
Read full article: Kobe Bryant's widow expresses grief, anger in online postLOS ANGELES, Calif. – Vanessa Bryant expressed grief and anger in an Instagram post Monday as she copes with the deaths of her husband Kobe Bryant, their daughter Gigi and seven other people in a helicopter crash last month. “My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone,” she wrote. “It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. Please continue to pray for all.”The social media post included a video feature from Slam Magazine about Kobe Bryant coaching their daughter Gianna’s basketball team. Also killed in the crash were pilot Ara Zobayan and Bryant friends Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton.
2/24: Bryant memorial reflects dad and daughter's uniforms
Read full article: 2/24: Bryant memorial reflects dad and daughter's uniforms(AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Kobe Bryant 's widow announced Friday that a “celebration of life” memorial will be held on Feb. 24 at the Staples Center to honor her late husband and 13-year-old daughter Gianna. They and seven others died in a helicopter crash last month. Vanessa Bryant posted a graphic on Instagram morning to announce the service, a day after reports surfaced about the memorial. A large memorial of flowers and mementos outside Staples Center was removed earlier this week. Also killed in the crash were pilot Ara Zobayan and Bryant friends Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton.
10 Things to Know for Today
Read full article: 10 Things to Know for TodayPeople queue up to buy face masks at a cosmetics shop in Hong Kong, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020. The death toll rose to 170 in the new virus outbreak in China on Thursday as foreign evacuees from the worst-hit region begin returning home under close observation and world health officials expressed "great concern" that the disease is starting to spread between people outside of China. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)
10 Things to Know for Today
Read full article: 10 Things to Know for TodayPeople queue up to buy face masks at a cosmetics shop in Hong Kong, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. DEATH TOLL RISES FROM CHINA VIRUS At least 170 are dead and more countries reported infections as foreign evacuees from hard-hit Wuhan return home to medical observation and even isolation. YOU’RE LIVING A LITTLE LONGER Life expectancy in the U.S. is up for the first time in four years — about a month. The rise is due to lower death rates for cancer and drug overdoses.
Vanessa Bryant speaks: 'We are completely devastated'
Read full article: Vanessa Bryant speaks: 'We are completely devastated'FILE - This Feb. 24, 2019 file photo shows Kobe Bryant, right, and Vanessa Laine Bryant at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, Calif. Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, died in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)
Vanessa Bryant statement: 'We are completely devastated'
Read full article: Vanessa Bryant statement: 'We are completely devastated'We definitely need them,” Vanessa Bryant wrote. “There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now,” Vanessa Bryant wrote. “I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them,” Vanessa Bryant wrote. Have them here with us, forever.”There has been no announcement on funeral or memorial plans yet for Kobe and Gianna Bryant. Vanessa Bryant asked for continued respect of her family’s privacy as it begins to “navigate this new reality.”___More AP coverage of the life and death of Kobe Bryant: https://apnews.com/KobeBryant___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports