On January 26, 2020, a devastating helicopter crash took the lives of nine individuals, including NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, as well as several other individuals deeply connected to the world of sports. The group was on their way to a girls’ basketball tournament at the Mamba Sports Academy in Newbury Park, California, when the Sikorsky S-76B helicopter crashed into a hillside amid foggy conditions near Calabasas.
The victims of the crash
The crash was not just a personal loss for the Bryant family but also for the wider sports community, which had grown fond of those on board, especially the rising stars in youth basketball.
Bryant was not only one of the most iconic basketball players in history but also a prominent mentor, businessman, and philanthropist after his retirement from the NBA in 2016.
Over his 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant amassed five NBA titles, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. At the time of his death, he had transitioned into coaching, working with younger athletes at his Mamba Sports Academy.
Gianna Bryant, affectionately known as Gigi, was Kobe’s second-oldest daughter and a budding basketball prodigy. At just 13 years old, she was a rising star in the world of girls’ basketball and was often seen courtside at Lakers games.
Another family deeply affected by the crash was the Altobellis. John Altobelli, 56, was the head coach of the Orange Coast College baseball team for 27 years, leading the program to four state championships.
Known for his dedication to the game, Altobelli’s legacy as a coach left a lasting impact on his athletes. His wife, Keri, and their 14-year-old daughter Alyssa, who was a teammate of Gianna’s, also lost their lives.
Christina Mauser, a coach for the Mamba Sports Academy, was another victim of the crash. She was described as witty, warm and incredibly talented.
Sarah Chester, 45, and her 13-year-old daughter Payton were also killed in the crash. Payton was a talented basketball player who played alongside Gianna, and her family described her as someone who always saw the best in others.
Sarah, the “heart of the family,” was a dedicated mother and wife, remembered fondly by her husband Chris Chester.
Ara Zobayan, the pilot of the helicopter, was an experienced instructor and charter pilot, well-known for flying many celebrities, including Kylie Jenner. Zobayan was regarded for his professionalism in the field, and he tragically lost his life alongside the others.