and his wife Vanessa Bryant made an agreement to never fly on a helicopter together.
As fans know, the Los Angeles Lakers legend tragically died at the age of 41 on Sunday morning (January 26) in a copter crash along with eight other passengers, including he and Vanessa’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna. Now, according to PEOPLE, a source reveals Kobe had “only” flown in helicopters with pilot Ara Zobayan, who was among the deceased. “He and Vanessa had a deal that they would never fly on a helicopter together,” the insider told the outlet of the alleged pact.
Per reports, Kobe, Gianna and seven other passengers were en route to a youth basketball game at the time of the fatal crash.
The former NBA player, who is survived by Vanessa and daughters Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and Capri (born in June 2019), revealed in a December 2018 interview that he began using helicopters to avoid Los Angeles traffic so he would have more time to spend with his family. “I was sitting in traffic and I wound up missing like a school play,” Kobe explained at the time. “I had to figure out a way where I could still train and focus on the craft but still not compromise family time. So that’s when I looked into helicopters, to be able to get down and back in 15 minutes and that’s when it started.”
Fans and celebrities alike are still devastated by the tragedy. Last night (January 27), the departed legend's longtime friend LeBron James posted a poignant tribute in honor of Kobe and his family on Instagram. “I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had!” James lamented. “My heart goes to Vanessa and the kids. I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man!”
RIP Kobe