"38 Billion Won to Bereaved Family"... The Price of Viewing Kobe's Corpse Photos

US Rescue Officials Illegally Share Accident Photos
Wife: "Severe Privacy Invasion and Mental Harm"

U.S. regional rescue authorities have agreed to pay a large sum to the family of NBA star Kobe Bryant in connection with an incident where staff viewed photos from the time of his fatal accident.

According to AFP and CNN on the 1st (local time), Vanessa Bryant, the late star's wife, reached a settlement of $28.85 million (approximately 37.9 billion KRW) in a lawsuit filed against Los Angeles (LA) County seeking damages.

Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, who died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020 [Photo by AP·Yonhap News]

Vanessa filed the lawsuit after reports surfaced that photos of the bodies were circulating following the helicopter crash near LA on January 26, 2020, which killed her husband Kobe and their 13-year-old second daughter Gianna. She claimed invasion of privacy and emotional distress.

In August last year, a U.S. federal court jury recognized these claims and ruled that LA County must pay Vanessa $16 million (approximately 2.1 billion KRW). The shared photos included not only helicopter wreckage but also close-up images of the deceased.

The individuals who viewed the photos were mainly employees of the LA County Police Department and Fire Department, and not all of them were assigned to work related to the incident.

Mira Hashimal, attorney for LA County, explained, "The $28.85 million settlement includes the federal jury verdict from August last year, as well as resolving all remaining issues including pending legal claims in state court, future claims by the Bryant children, and attorney fees on both sides."

Christopher Chester, who lost his wife Sarah and 13-year-old daughter in the same accident, received a $15 million (approximately 1.97 billion KRW) verdict in August last year, and later reached a settlement with LA County for an additional $4.95 million (approximately 650 million KRW).

Last August, Vanessa Bryant, wife of Kobe Bryant, was seen leaving the courthouse.
[Photo by AFP·Yonhap News]

Vanessa Bryant's attorney, Lewis Lee, stated, "Vanessa fought for her husband and daughter, as well as all families in the community who were similarly disrespected. She hopes that his victory and this settlement will put an end to such practices."

Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant, who tragically died in the accident, played for the LA Lakers for 20 years, earning accolades such as season scoring champion, regular season MVP, playoff MVP, and All-Star MVP. After retirement, he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements.

Kobe's second daughter Gianna Bryant, who inherited his basketball talent, was also an active youth basketball player. On January 26, 2020, the father and daughter, along with other youth basketball players and their families totaling nine people, boarded a private helicopter to attend an out-of-town basketball game when the crash occurred, resulting in their deaths.

Following the news of the Bryant family's deaths, former and current U.S. presidents sent condolences, and a wave of mourning swept through the basketball and wider sports communities.