Vanessa Bryant Sues Helicopter Company Involved In Kobe Bryant’s Fatal Crash + Claims Pilot Was Reckless

Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant, Ara George Zobayan

Vanessa Bryant Sues Helicopter Company Involved In Kobe Bryant’s Fatal Crash + Claims Pilot Was Reckless

Vanessa Bryant has taken legal action against the company that owned the helicopter involved in the crash that killed her husband, NBA great Kobe Bryant, her 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant, and seven other victims.

Kobe Bryant & daughter Gianna

According to TMZ Monday (Feb. 24), Vanessa Bryant filed the lawsuit against Island Express, claiming that the company could only fly under certain safety conditions, which weren’t in effect the day of the Jan. 26 accident. It was previously reported that fog was a factor in the accident and the pilot was flying in blinding conditions before it collided.

Vanessa Bryant also alleged the pilot, Ara George Zobayan, was flying at 180 miles per hour, as well as accused the pilot of not evaluating the weather before liftoff. The lawsuit said the pilot didn’t steer clear of “natural obstacles” on the flight.

Ara Zobayan

She asked for damages for “pre-impact” terror, which is the emotional distress her husband and daughter experienced when the pilot tried to get to safety just ahead of the Calabasas, Calif. accident.

It’s not clear how much she’s suing for. She did request punitive damages, with allegations that the pilot and Island Express were reckless.

The claim points out that the pilot was also disciplined after he violated a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policy back in 2015.

She’s suing for damages, loss of love, affection, care, society, service, comfort, support, right to support, companionship, solace or moral support and expectations of future support and counseling. She also asks for funds to pay for the burial and funeral.

Continued prayers for the Bryant family and all of the victims!