People across the globe are still recovering from the news of basketball sensation Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna’s tragic death, which happened due to an unfortunate helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. Now, Kobe’s widow Vanessa Bryant has filed a lawsuit at the Los Angeles Superior Court against the owner of the helicopter, Island Express, which carried Kobe, Gianna and seven others, and became the reason behind their death. The suit alleges the operator of various negligences and wrongful death.
As per a report in the Hollywood Reporter, Vanessa stated that “heavy fog and low clouds prompted law enforcement agencies and tour companies to ground their helicopters, but the pilot requested special clearance from air traffic control to keep flying”. She added how Island Express’ FAA operating certificate banned pilots from flying under such situations and in the past, Zobayan (the late pilot of Kobe’s helicopter) was under FAA’s radar for the violation of rules. She also mentioned that the helicopter wasn’t certified to fly in such bad weather conditions.
According to the complaint copy obtained by CNN, claims like "Failed to properly monitor and assess the weather prior to takeoff," "Failed to abort the flight when he knew of the cloudy conditions," and "Failed to properly and safely operate the helicopter resulting in a crash,” were made. Vanessa Bryant, through the lawsuit, is seeking general, economic and punitive damages. However, no financial figures were mentioned. (ALSO READ - Vanessa Bryant Grieves The Deaths Of Kobe Bryant And Gianna, ‘My Brain Refuses To Accept They’re Gone, It Feels Wrong’)
An excerpt from the lawsuit read, "Defendant Island Express Helicopters is vicariously liable for any and all actions of Ara George Zobayan, including his negligent and careless piloting and operation of the subject helicopter, by reason of its principal and agent relationship with Ara George Zobayan.”
The company, in its official statement as a response to the lawsuit, said, "This was a tragic accident. We will have no comment on the pending litigation.”
image source: instagram/vanessabryant