Kobe Bryant Officially ID'd By L.A. Coroner Along With Three Other Victims

BY Erika Marie 4.9K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
David McNew / Stringer / Getty Images
Kobe Bryant Memorial
His daughter and four others have yet to be officially identified through fingerprints.

The names of the nine people on board the Kobe Bryant-involved helicopter crash that took the lives of all passengers have been shared for days, the Los Angeles Coroner's office has been diligently attempting to properly identify each person. An investigation has uncovered that fatalities included: Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant; John Altobelli, John's wife Keri Altobelli, and their daughter Alyssa Altobelli; Sarah Chester and her 13-year-old daughter Payton Chester; basketball coach Christina Mauser, and pilot Ara Zobayan.

According to a report made by KRON4 News, only four victims of the helicopter crash have been identified by fingerprints: Kobe Bryant, John Altobelli, Sarah Chester, and Ara Zobayan. The coroner's office is doing its best to officially identify the remains of the other five passengers. There has been much speculation regarding the cause of the accident, and while fog has been a key source, it will be weeks, maybe even months, before definitive answers are given.

Vanessa Bryant has understandably made her Instagram private as she processes the most devastating time of her life, but the outpouring of prayers, love, and support for all victims and their families has been overwhelming in these first few days. News of the tragedy has caused many to reevaluate what they've deemed to be important, so hopefully, this unity and support will continue in the months and years to come.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

Comments 3
Page was generated in 0.07830810546875