The basketball world has suffered a great loss with the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and sven others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday. The 41-year-old NBA legend was on his way to attend a girls basketball tournament with his daughter and other parents and players when their chartered helicopter crashed in fog.
Kobe’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the sports world. He is remembered not only for his accomplishments on the court but also for his relentless work ethic and dedication to family, which made him an inspiration to many. He was an 18-time NBA All-Star, a five-time NBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time All-NBA First Team selection, and one of the most popular athletes of all time.
In addition to Kobe Bryant’s passing in 2020, we have also lost forer UCLA basketball player Jalen Hill at age 22. Hill made 77 starts with the Bruins in three seasons from 2018-21 and was well known for his leadership ability and tenacity on both ends of the floor. The UCLA community is mourning this loss deeply as he was highly regarded by players and coaches alike.
Kobe Bryant and Jalen Hill were two extraordinary athletes who will be forever remembered by those who knew them best: their families, friends, teammates, coaches, fans and all those they inspired along the way. May they both rest in peace.
The Cause of Kobes Death
Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven other passengers tragically died on January 26th, 2020 when their chartered helicopter crashed in the Calabasas hills west of Los Angeles. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board; however, it is believed that the crash was a result of dense fog in the area. All nine passengers on board were confirmed dead at the scene. The victims were identified as Kobe and Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, and pilot Ara Zobayan.
Source: usatoday.com
Recent Death of a Basketball Player
Recently, former UCLA basketball player Jalen Hill sadly passed away at the age of 22. Hill made 77 starts with the Bruins in three seasons from 2018-21. His family confirmed his death on social media on Tuesday. Hill was a promising young athlete who will be remembered for his contributions to the game of basketball.
Kobe Bryant’s Age at Time of Death
Kobe Bryant passed away at the age of 41. He was one month shy of his 42nd birthday. His untimely death has shocked and saddened the sports world, and our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Recent Deaths of Sports Figures
Recently, seeral notable sports figures have passed away. On January 1, 2021 former NFL head coach Dan Reeves died at the age of 83. Don Maynard, a Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver who played for the New York Jets and the Houston Oilers, passed away on January 10th at the age of 88. Junior Siavii, a defensive tackle who played in the NFL for five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks, passed away on January 13th. Lusia Harris, a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and an Olympic gold medalist in 1976, passed away on January 18th at the age of 59. And most recently, Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins died on February 13th. All these figures left behind incredible legacies that will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
Koby’s Death and Who Was With Him
On January 26th, 2020, a tragic helicopter crash took the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant (13 years old), and seven other passengers. Those passengers included John Altobelli (56 years old), his wife Keri Altobelli (46 years old) and their daughter Alyssa Altobelli (14 years old); Sarah Chester (45 years old) and her daughter Payton Chester (13 years old); Christina Mauser (38 years old); and Ara Zobayan (50 years old). All nine people aboard the helicopter died in the accident.
Source: nytimes.com
Tragic Death of Those Involved in Helicopter Crash
On January 26, 2020, nine people tragically lost ther lives in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The victims included retired professional basketball player Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna; baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa; Payton Chester and her mother Sara; basketball coach Christina Mauser; and the pilot, Ara Zobayan. All nine individuals perished in the accident.
Death of NFL Star
NFL star Jaylon Ferguson recently passed away at the age of 25. An autopsy performed by the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office of the state of Maryland confirmed the cause of death as a combination of fentanyl and cocaine. Ferguson was a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens and was drafted in 2019. He had just finished his first season with the team, playing in all 16 regular-season games and two playoff games. He is survived by his parents, siblings, girlfriend, and two children. His death has been ruled an accident due to the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine.
Notable NBA Players Who Have Passed Away
Regrettably, several NBA players have passed away in recent years. John Postley, a 30-year-old forward/center for the Los Angeles Lakers, tragically died in 2019. Katrina Price, a 23-year-old shooting guard for the Phoenix Mercury, also passed away in 2019. Bill Robinzine, a 29-year-old power forward for the Dallas Mavericks, was killed in an automobile accident in 1980. Malik Sealy, a 30-year-old small forward/shooting guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, was killed by a drunk driver in 2000. More recently, Kobe Bryant (41) and his daughter Gianna (13) both died in 2020 following a helicopter crash. Other NBA players who have passed away include Moses Malone (60), Reggie Lewis (27), Len Bias (22), Drazen Petrovic (28), Manute Bol (47), Jason Collier (28), Eddie Griffin (25), and Bobby Phills (30). Many of thse players were taken too soon and their loss is still felt throughout the basketball community.
Deaths of NBA Players on the Court
Reginald Wayne Lewis (July 27, 1993) was an American professional basketball player who tragically died on the court at the age of 27. He was a college star at Northeastern University and was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1987. After leading the Celtics to two consecutive playoff appearances, Lewis collapsed during a summer practice and was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. Despite being told to end his career, Lewis opted to continue playing and appeared in all 82 games in 1992-93 season before he passed away suddenly during a pick up game.
Zena Ray “Zeke” Upshaw (March 26, 2018) was an American professional basketball player in the NBA G League for the Grand Rapids Drive. After suffering from chest pains during a game against the Long Island Nets, Upshaw collapsed on court and later died at the hospital due to cardiac arrest.
Conrad McRae (11th January 1971-10th July 2000) was an American professional basketball player who played for various teams including Orlando Magic, New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors among others. On 10th July 2000 while playing with Panellinios Athens of Greece’s top basketball league, McRae collapsed on court due to heart failure and died soon ater despite attempts to save him.
These three players are some of the most unfortunate examples of people who have passed away on court due to various medical conditions or accidents over the years. It is a tragedy that such young lives were taken away so suddenly, reminding us all how fragile life can be even when we are doing something we love.
The Tragic Death of Kobe Bryant and His Daughter
Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020 in Calabasas, California. The aircraft, a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter, was en route to Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks, California where Kobe and Gianna were set to coach a basketball game. The aircraft had departed from John Wayne Airport in Orange County at 9:06 a.m. and crashed shortly afer at 10:00 a.m., killing all nine passengers on board.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), however preliminary reports suggest that dense fog and low visibility may have played a significant role in the crash. In addition, the pilot was reportedly flying without air traffic control clearance, which could have also contributed to the accident as it prohibited him from being guided around any hazardous weather conditions or other potential obstacles along his flight path.
The NTSB is currently lookig into all possible factors that may have caused this tragedy including weather conditions, mechanical issues, crew performance and decision making. As of now there are no definitive answers as to what caused the accident but the investigation is ongoing and further details should become available in the coming months.
Conclusion
2020 was a tragic year for the basketball world as it saw the unexpected and heartbreaking death of Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and former UCLA basketball player Jalen Hill. Although their loss is devastating, their legacies will continue to live on in the hearts of their family, friends, and fans. May they rest in peace.
