Los Angeles is no stranger to earthquakes. But on Jan. 26, the ground shook in way that couldn’t be measured on the Richter scale–a helicopter crashed in Calabasas, claiming the lives of Kobe Bryant, 41; Gianna Bryant, 13; Alyssa Altobelli, 14; Keri Altobelli, 46; John Altobelli, 56; Payton Chester, 13; Sarah Chester, 45; Christina Mauser, 38; and the pilot, Ara Zobayan, 50. The tragedy was felt throughout our community, with friends and family immediately texting one another. The shockwaves quickly spread throughout the world.
On Feb. 24, roughly 20,000 people from all over the world came together in mourning for the memorial service celebrating the lives of Kobe and Gianna Bryant at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles. In the crowd, men and women from all walks of life–children in strollers, seniors with walkers–locals and non-locals outfitted in Bryant Laker jerseys and graphic t-shirts with the faces of Bryant and Gianna with halos over their heads. The venue was completely sold out. Upon entering, guests were given a bag with a black cotton t-shirt printed with photos of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, a black circular pin with the letters ‘KB’ in yellow, a small pamphlet with pictures, and their ticket for, “A Celebration of Life: Kobe & Gianna Bryant” dated “2.24.20 | 10 a. m.”
