JahSupreme 187 Staff
Vanessa Bryant, the widow of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, has settled a wrongful death lawsuit against the Los Angeles County officials over the helicopter crash that killed her husband and daughter, Gianna, along with seven others in January 2020. The settlement amounts to $29 million USD.
Vanessa Bryant filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles County officials, alleging that the helicopter pilot, Ara Zobayan, was negligent in his decision to fly in foggy conditions, which ultimately led to the fatal crash. The lawsuit also named Island Express Helicopters Inc., the company that owned and operated the helicopter.
The settlement was reached after mediation, which was overseen by a retired judge. In a statement, Vanessa Bryant expressed her gratitude towards the mediator, as well as her legal team, for their hard work in securing a fair settlement.
The tragic accident has highlighted the importance of safety regulations and protocols when it comes to air travel. In the aftermath of the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken steps to address the issue of flight safety.
The FAA has implemented new guidelines for helicopter pilots, including mandatory training on recognizing and responding to hazardous weather conditions. The agency has also urged helicopter operators to install terrain awareness and warning systems, which can help pilots avoid crashes.
In addition to these measures, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that all helicopters be equipped with crash-resistant recording devices, which can provide valuable information in the event of a crash.
While the settlement cannot bring back Kobe and Gianna Bryant, Vanessa Bryant hopes that it will bring some closure to the tragedy. She has also pledged to continue to advocate for safety measures in the aviation industry, in order to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.
