On 26 January 2020, the world witnessed a tragic accident of the former NBA player Kobe Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna Bryant, 13. According to sources, the accident involved 7 other people who died that day. It included John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, and Ara Zobaya, the pilot. Mauser was the assistant coach of the Mamba girls’ basketball team.
Following the sudden death of the father-daughter duo of Kobe and Gigi, NBA and the Bryant family mourned a great loss. For their first death anniversary, Vanessa Bryant posted a heartfelt note in an Instagram post.
The note written by Gianna’s best friend Aubrey described her best moments with Gianna.
A month before the third death anniversary, a video was uploaded on Twitter of their last presence at the Staples Center.
3 years ago today, Kobe’s final time at Staples Center 😢 pic.twitter.com/l3oZooTkSO
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) December 29, 2022
Following this tweets by fans were uploaded in remembrance of them.
My heart ❤️ 😭😭
— Saint Donis (@saintdonis) December 30, 2022
I miss Kobe every day man
— BEVERLEY FANATIC (@therealselena23) December 29, 2022
Man it’s painful seeing this every time… those two together 🥺🥺🥺
— Jazzy (@JazzyJeff2121) December 30, 2022
Man I miss him😢 RIP KOBE & GIGI
— JAY🖤 LAKESHOW🏆 (@JayRodriguez___) December 29, 2022
Man this was hard to watch. I’m all in my emotions right now.
— Isaiah Johnson (@isaiah122) December 30, 2022
A fan wrote, “Man it’s painful seeing this every time… those two together”, indicating that is still hard to digest the fact that both Kobe and Gianna are gone. It isn’t a surprise that they have had such a huge impact on the world. We can be sure that both of them will be remembered by the NBA world even after many years.
Apart from this, murals of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, done by street artists, are across the walls in more than 30 countries.
Kobe Bryant and Gigi to be remembered in the history of the NBA
The nickname “Black Mamba”, given for his dominant nature, Kobe Bryant during his time in NBA has been a successful player. From winning five NBA championships to an 18-time All-Star to the 2008 NBA MVP, and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. He is also the all-time leading scorer in the Lakers.
Despite being a legend in NBA, he proved to be a great dad to his four daughters. The second daughter, Gianna Maria-Onore born in May 2006, was seen in interest with basketball.
Kobe and Gigi have been quite close when it comes to basketball. The latter grew fond of the sport and attended the Harbor Day School in Newport Beach, California. Kobe as a father was also quite supportive of her and her career.
The father-daughter duo accompanied together in many games. After Kobe Bryant’s retirement from NBA, both attended the Lakers games in support of the players. Before their death, both Kobe and Gigi attended the Lakers game together for the last time.
Thus, with the accident being 3 years ago, both of them remain in the heart and memory of every NBA fan out there.
