"Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna die in the crash of a helicopter"
.
So a year ago,
on January 26, 2020, the American press announced the death of the Black Mamba and his daughter
: the former Lakers champion was 41 years old, Gianna only 13. Six other people died in the accident.
The group was aboard a helicopter that was supposed to take them to a basketball game in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Kobe often used a helicopter to get around to avoid traffic.
Instead the crash probably due to poor visibility.
A final report on the incident will be released on February 9th.
A year ago, not only a basketball star disappeared, considered among the best players in NBA history (5 titles won with the Lakers, plus two Olympic golds with the US national team), but also a beloved character all over the world for his generosity and his activism.
For example, he was at the forefront against the violent police against African-Americans as well as a firm supporter of youth sport as an instrument of emancipation.
Not just a basketball player, but also a staple for entire communities of marginalized people.
He was also an Academy Award winner in 2018 with director and animator Glen Keane in the category of best animated short film for 'Dear Basketball', which he scripted inspired by his farewell letter to basketball.
And then there was his love affair with Italy.
Kobe loved the Bel Paese to the point of giving his four daughters all Italian or Italian-inspired names.
In Italy he spent his childhood, from 6 to 13 years moving to the various cities of the clubs for which his father Joe played.
From Rieti to Reggio Calabria, from Pistoia to Reggio Emilia.
And Reggio Emilia has decided to dedicate a square to him to coincide with the first anniversary of his death and his daughter.
The space will be named after Largo Kobe and Gianna Bryant.
There is no tribute from the Lakers instead.
The team has in fact decided to keep a low profile.
For everyone, his disappearance is still an open wound.
"They say - commented LeBron James - that time heals wounds. As devastating and tragic as it was, and still is for all of us, only time will help. And it will take time".
Instead, a tribute from the writers of Los Angeles who decorated some walls of the city with gigantic and colorful works inspired by Kobe.
Finally, from the widow Vanessa an appeal on social media to the entire press, that of not transmitting any image relating to the crash during the programming for the anniversary.
