Vanessa Bryant files wrongful death lawsuit against helicopter operator in Kobe and Gianna Bryant crash

Vanessa Bryant’s attorneys have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company that owned and operated the helicopter that crash on January 26, killing Kobe Bryant, their 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other passengers. According to the Los Angeles Times, in a complaint filed against the Island Express Helicopter and Island Express Holding Corp alleged that the pilot Ara Zobayan failed “to use ordinary care in piloting the aircraft and was “negligent.”

© GettyImages

The 27-count complaint will seek general damages, economic damages, punitive damages and more. “Defendant Island Express Helicopters’ breach of its duty and negligence caused the injuries and damages complained of herein and Plaintiffs’ deceased, Kobe Bryant, was killed as a direct result of the negligent conduct of Zobayan for which Defendant Island Express Helicopters is vicariously liable in all respects,” the lawsuit read.

Vanessa’s suit also noted that the pilot did not properly monitor the weather prior to taking off, failed to obtain proper weather data before taking off. In addition, the suit claims that the pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft. News of the suit comes the same day that Kobe, Gianna, John, Kerri and Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah and Payton Chester, Christian Mauser and the pilot Ara Zobayan planned to be honored at the Staples Center with a special memorial.

Vanessa, 39, shares three other daughters with the late athlete. Since the passing of her husband and daughter, she has taken to social media to share sweet memories of her husband and their rising basketball star. Vanessa recently honored her husband and daughter with a change to the Mamba Sports Foundation.

© @vanessabryant

“Because there is no #24 without #2, we have updated the Mamba Sports Foundation to now be called the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. Our mission remains the same – and stronger than ever – to provide opportunities to young people through sports. Thank you all for the outpouring of support and your kind donations to date as we carry forth Kobe and Gigi’s legacy.. We hope to empower young athletes in a world they left us all to help shape. #Mamba #Mambacita #wings @mambamambacitasports.”