March 2, 2023 Kobe Bryant’s widow sued after learning Los Angeles County firefighters and deputies shared graphic photos from the deadly helicopter crash.
By Peter Sblendorio Source New York Daily News (TNS) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Kobe Bryant’s family reached a $28.5 million settlement with Los Angeles County over authorities sharing photos from the helicopter crash that killed him and daughter Gianna, covering possible future claims by the former NBA star’s children.
A federal jury in August awarded Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, $15 million in her lawsuit against the county. That amount was included in Tuesday’s settlement, as was more than $13 million to cover remaining claims and additional costs.
Bryant, 41, and Gianna, 13, were among the nine people who died in the January 2020 crash in Calabasas, Calif.
“Today marks the successful culmination of Mrs. Bryant’s courageous battle to hold accountable those who engaged in this grotesque conduct,” said attorney Luis Li, who represented Vanessa. “She fought for her husband, her daughter, and all those in the community whose deceased family were treated with similar disrespect.”
Jurors found Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies and firefighters took photos at the scene of the crash. The photos were shared amongst officials, while a former California bartender testified a sheriff’s deputy trainee showed them to him as well. Li described the act as “visual gossip.”
“I don’t want my children to ever come across them,” Vanessa testified last year. “I have three little girls.”
Gianna was the second eldest of Bryant’s four daughters with Vanessa, whom he married in 2001. The National Transportation Safety Board blamed the helicopter’s pilot for the crash, which occurred while Bryant and his daughter were flying to her basketball game.
On Tuesday, the county’s attorney described the settlement as “fair and reasonable.”
“We hope Ms. Bryant and her children continue to heal from their loss,” Mira Hashmall said.
Bryant played each of his 20 NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five championships. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame after his death.
With News Wire Services