Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Killed in a Helicopter Crash

[-Sammy-]

In honor of a fallen titan, we're locking this thread here, on its 81st page. Props to the great (and appropriately-named) DayOfMourning for suggesting the gesture.

We'll continue the discussion in this thread, but before you go, take three minutes to marvel at 81 all over again:

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[GA34]

https://www.tmz.com/

4:30 PM PT -- L.A. weather was extremely foggy Sunday morning, and law enforcement sources tell us even LAPD air support was grounded because of it. Flight tracker data shows Kobe's chopper appeared to first encounter weather issues as it was above the L.A. Zoo. It circled that area at least 6 times at a very low altitude -- around 875 feet -- perhaps waiting for the fog to clear.

We know the pilot contacted the control tower at Burbank Airport around 9:30 AM PT, and the tower was aware the pilot had been circling for about 15 minutes. The pilot eventually headed north along the 118 freeway before turning to the west, and started following above the 101 freeway around Woodland Hills, CA.

At around 9:40 AM they encounter more weather -- as in seriously heavy fog -- and the chopper turned south. This was critical, because they turned toward a mountainous area. The pilot suddenly and rapidly climbed from about 1200 feet up to 2000 feet.

However, moments later -- around 9:45 AM -- they flew into a mountain at 1700 feet. Flight tracker data shows they were flying at about 161 knots.

This is crazy if true. The pilot has made some terrible decisions that have cost 9 people their lives. Such a sad day in the history of the sport.

[Tesla]

I used to moderate the PC and Laker board during Kobe’s prime (2005-2007ish). I left and was pretty inactive on this site and following basketball in general for a while.

Today has hit me like a death of someone I knew personally. Kobe wasn’t supposed to go out like this, the man was invincible. Even when he played, he would figure out a way of a bad situation and will his squad to a win. His death is so anti-climatic to his persona.

There is a mystery and uniqueness to his persona moreso than any other athlete that I’ve seen. I grew up watching Jordan, have followed LeBron’s prime— but something inside of Kobe was different.

He had a self-confidence and fearlessness that I haven’t seen in any athlete.

I’m at a loss for words.

I remember those times my old friend

RIP Kobe and Gigi, he really was my hero. I can’t believe this and I am so sad for him and his family, unbelievable.

[magicfan4life05]

[PD28]

Wanted to pay my respects on the 81st page, as a Raptors/Kobe fan it only seemed appropriate. RIP Mamba! You'll always inspire me to get better and never be complacent!

[CBS7]

81st page. Lock it up?

[alienswon]

Watch on YouTube

[K For Three]

I just can't believe it still and I can't read through this entire long thread but on the C's forum we been chatting about it all day.

In my small town in Mass everyone is talking about it and sad. The Celtics/Lakers thing hits home, we can't hate each other all the time. We would do anything to bring Kobe and his daughter back to life.

[-Sammy-]

In honor of a fallen titan, we're locking this thread here, on its 81st page. Props to the great (and appropriately-named) DayOfMourning for suggesting the gesture.

We'll continue the discussion in this thread, but before you go, take three minutes to marvel at 81 all over again:

Watch on YouTube