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Vanessa Bryant ‘Absolutely Devastated’ Amid Reports Kobe Bryant Crash Photos Shared From Deputies’ Phones


  • March 10, 2020

Just over a month after the helicopter crash that took the lives of Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others, Kobe’s widow, Vanessa, is taking a stand. Vanessa is “absolutely devastated” after reports surfaced about circulating crash photos. Here’s what we know.

Vanessa Bryant requested the crash site be a ‘no-fly zone’

Vanessa Bryant
Vanessa Bryant speaks during The Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant at Staples Center on February 24, 2020 | Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies allegedly have photos of Kobe Bryant’s helicopter crash. Reports claim deputies shared them with others.

Vanessa Bryant’s Attorney, Gary C. Robb, said in a statement she went to the sheriff’s office in person after the crash. Vanessa requested the crash site be designated a “no-fly zone.” The move would’ve prevented photographers from getting the gruesome shots.

Now, Robb has requested an internal affairs investigation. Their hope is for the “harshest possible discipline” for anyone involved in the circulation of pictures.

“At that time, Sheriff Alex Villanueva assured us all measures would be put in place to protect the families’ privacy, and it is our understanding that he has worked hard to honor those requests,” Robb said. He demanded that the deputies be identified “to ensure that the photos are not further disseminated.”

The details of the alleged offense are disturbing

View this post on Instagram

KANSAS CITY, Mo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Statement From Gary C. Robb, Legal Counsel on Behalf of His Client, Vanessa Bryant: Our client, Vanessa Bryant, is absolutely devastated by allegations that deputies from the Lost Hills Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department publicly disseminated photos from the helicopter crash site. Mrs. Bryant personally went to the Sheriff’s office on January 26th and requested that the area be designated a no-fly zone and protected from photographers. This was of critical importance to her as she desired to protect the dignity of all the victims, and their families. At that time, Sheriff Alex Villanueva assured us all measures would be put in place to protect the families’ privacy, and it is our understanding that he has worked hard to honor those requests. First responders should be trustworthy. It is inexcusable and deplorable that some deputies from the Lost Hills Sheriff’s substation, other surrounding substations and LACOFD would allegedly breach their duty. This is an unspeakable violation of human decency, respect, and of the privacy rights of the victims and their families. We are demanding that those responsible for these alleged actions face the harshest possible discipline, and that their identities be brought to light, to ensure that the photos are not further disseminated. We are requesting an Internal Affairs investigation of these alleged incidents. Mrs. Bryant is grateful to the individual who filed an online complaint exposing these acts of injustice, and for the choice to protect human dignity. We ask that anyone else who has information as to the facts underlying these alleged grievous and shameful incidents contact our office at 816–474-8080 or email via www.robbrobb.com

A post shared by Vanessa Bryant (@vanessabryant) on

The Los Angeles Times first reported on Thursday, Feb. 27 the initial allegations. This all came to light after an unnamed individual came forward having overheard a conversation about the photos.

Any deputies allegedly involved have not been named at this time and it’s not clear who has photos.

“Our client, Vanessa Bryant, is absolutely devastated by allegations that deputies from the Lost Hills Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department publicly disseminated photos from the helicopter crash site,” Robb said.

“This was of critical importance to her as she desired to protect the dignity of all the victims, and their families,” the statement said. “At that time, Sheriff Alex Villanueva assured us all measures would be put in place to protect the families’ privacy, and it is our understanding that he has worked hard to honor those requests.”

Robb added Vanessa is, “grateful to the individual who filed an online complaint exposing these acts of injustice, and for the choice to protect human dignity.”

The Bryants are still grieving and fans react

Comments about Vanessa’s post shows how much love and support she has. They can never replace that of Kobe or Gianna. However, many hope it’ll help her feel less alone in her grieving process.

“Unbelievable!! Part of an officer’s job is integrity clearly if this is true he has none & should be fired. So sorry u even have to deal with this,” one fan said.

“I’m so sorry that you have to deal with this. They need not only to get fired but also reprimanded,” another added.

“The Bryant family and other families of the victims deserve justice for the people that intentionally released the footage with no regards in their grieving process or the world,” this fan said.

The grieving process for Vanessa and her family will be long enough without having to endure things like the above. Our thoughts are with the Bryants through their difficult time.