Death Certificates Revealed: Kobe & Gianna Bryant Died From ‘Blunt Trauma’
Feb. 11 2020, Published 7:29 p.m. ET
RadarOnline.com has obtained copies of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant’s death certificates.
According to the documents, the father and daughter died on a “mountain side” as the result of “blunt trauma.”
As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Kobe, 41, and Gianna, 13, were killed when the helicopter they were riding in on their way to Mamba Academy for the teen’s basketball game crashed in heavy fog on January 26.
The pilot, Ara Zobayan, and six other passengers, John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli; Sarah and Payton Chester; and Christina Mauser — were also among the accident victims.
Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, has struggled to cope with the devastating loss of her husband and little girl.
“I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone,” she recently wrote on social media.
“I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?!” Vanessa asked.
Scroll through RadarOnline.com’s gallery for more details on the tragic accident.
Lasting Legacy
Kobe’s death certificate listed him as an author, producer and athlete.
Rest in Peace
The certificate shows a funeral for the late NBA star was held at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar.
Tragic Ending
Gianna’s death certificate also lists the cause of her death as “blunt trauma” on a “mountain side.”
Devastating Documents
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The death certificates were released on February 11, over two weeks after the daughter and dad lost their lives.
Coping with the Pain
“I’m so mad,” Vanessa, 37, posted on Instagram on February 10, noting Gianna “had so much life to live.” She continued: “Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters. Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with Natalia, Bianka and Capri. I know what I’m feeling is normal. It’s part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this.”
Unsurvivable Crash
A report from the National Transportation Safety Board noted the helicopter was “destroyed by impact forces and fire.”
Last Moments
“On January 26, 2020, at 0945 Pacific standard time (PST), a Sikorsky SK76B helicopter, N72EX, collided with hilly terrain near the city of Calabasas, California,” reads the report obtained by RadarOnline.com.
Final Farewell
A public memorial for former Lakers basketball star Kobe and his daughter Gianna will be held at the Staples Center in L.A. on February 24 at 10 a.m.