Funeral for Kobe Bryant: Here’s What Is Known So Far
While the investigation continues into what caused the helicopter carrying nine people, including Kobe Bryant, to crash, the memorial service for the basketball legend is being planned.
Last Sunday’s crash victims lost were John and Keri Altobelli and their teenage daughter Alyssa; Sarah Chester and her 13-year-old daughter, Payton; Christina Mauser, an assistant coach on the girls’ team Kobe Bryant coached; 13-year old Gianna Bryant, and her father, Kobe; and pilot Ara Zobayan.
The investigation into what exactly caused the crash is still ongoing, and could continue for at least a year.
Here is what is known so far about Kobe Bryant’s funeral.
What the Mayor of Los Angeles is Saying
Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti has been involved, of course, in discussions, telling KABC this week that Bryant’s widow, the Lakers, and the city of Los Angeles are working together on choosing the time and place for Bryant’s funeral and memorial.
“We really want to listen to Vanessa, to the Lakers, and make sure that we have a chance and the right way to mourn together, as people have been doing spontaneously out on the streets in the next day or two,” Garcetti said.
“Laying him to rest will be something which we are here, ready to help support the family however, wherever and whenever.”
Memorials and remembrances have been popping up for Bryant
Since the 41-year-old basketball great’s death on January 26, grieving fans have been gathering at makeshift memorials everywhere, but especially outside of the Staples Center in Los Angeles, known as “The House That Kobe Bryant Built.”
Millions are eager to express their grief and appreciation for who Bryant was as an athlete, a philanthropist, and a family man.
There has been talk of naming a street in Los Angeles after him. In addition, a Change.org petition has received over two million signatures in support of changing the current NBA logo, which features Jerry West right now, and replacing it with Kobe Bryant’s image.
The petition organizer, Nick M, with the Twitter account name @ThatGuyN1CK wrote, “With the untimely and unexpected passing of the great Kobe Bryant please sign this petition in an attempt to immortalize him forever as the new NBA Logo.”
Where The Funeral May Be Held
TMZ reported this week that a meeting was held to explore the details of Bryant’s funeral/memorial and when it might take place.
According to the outlet, the Staples Center, while the sentimental pick as the venue to memorialize Bryant, only holds around 20,000 people. It may be considered too small for a public memorial, considering the outpouring that has been already seen to Bryant’s death.
Organizers are prepared to expect a crowd that will fill a more appropriately sized location, such as the LA Coliseum, which seats about 78,000 guests.
Read more: Jennifer Lopez’s Emotional Post to Kobe Bryant’s Wife, Vanessa
