Kobe Bryant’s Death Certificate Says NBA Legend Died in ‘Rapid’ Manner During Helicopter Crash

Kobe Bryant will be laid to rest at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar, California...this according to his death certificate.

In the document, obtained by The Blast, the NBA legend in a 'commercial helicopter crash' and that the death was 'rapid.' Also, the official cause of death is listed as "blunt trauma." The place of death is listed as "mountainside."

Kobe is listed as an "author, producer, and athlete," and has been in the entertainment business for 24 years the document says.

The document had to be amended at some point after it originally stated Kobe's final resting place would be Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park.

The Blast

A death certificate for Kobe Bryant's daughter was also released showing the 13-year-old was a "coach and student."

The document says the young lady had been teaching and playing basketball for "3" years when she passed.

The official cause of death listed for Gianna is also "blunt trauma." Gigi will be laid to rest near her father at Pacific View Memorial Park in Orange County.

NTSB

The NTSB just released its initial report on Bryant's deadly helicopter accident, and it appears the weather is a key factor contributing to the crash.

Investigators released new photos from the area just minutes before the crash, and it included one from a security camera where you can see the aircraft disappear into the fog.

The findings also concluded there was no engine failure on the chopper before it slammed into the hillside.

A key pieced of evidence was collected nearby the crash site in the form of a cut-up tree branch. Investigators believe that the rotors were still spinning when the aircraft hit the ground, proving there were no mechanical issues.

Instagram

The report states the helicopter was destroyed by "impact forces and fire." According to their statement, "The Sikorsky S-76B helicopter collided with hilly terrain and was destroyed by impact forces and fire. The pilot and eight passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter operated by Island Express Helicopters Inc., was on an on-demand passenger visual flight rules flight from John Wayne-Orange County Airport, in Santa Ana, California, to Camarillo Airport, in Camarillo, California."

As we reported, Kobe's helicopter was not equipped with a device called the Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) which sounds an alarm to the pilot if the aircraft is in danger of hitting the ground. The NTSB recommends all helicopters have the device but it is not required.

All nine victims in the deadly accident died by "blunt force trauma" according to the LA Coroner's office.

A service will be held for Kobe Bryant at Staples Center, February 24, 2020. The date is significant, standing for the #2 month --the number his daughter wore in basketball. The 24th day signifying his number, and 20 the number of years he played with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Gettyimages | Alberto E. Rodriguez

Kobe's wife, Vanessa Bryant, shared some of her feelings today about grieving the loss of her husband and daughter.

"I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters. Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with Natalia, Bianka and Capri, she posted on Instagram.

The message continued, "I know what I’m feeling is normal. It’s part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this. God I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all."