Plantiff Who Lost Wife, Daughter in Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash Seeks Over $32 Million from LA County

Vanessa Bryant, the widow of the late Kobe Bryant, is in court for her case against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s and Fire departments for illegally taking and sharing gruesome photos of her late husband, daughter and other victims in the 2020 fatal helicopter crash. Vanessa’s co-plantiff, Chris Chester is seeking $32.5 million in damages. Chester lost his wife and 13-year-old daughter in the crash.

The Chester and Bryant family representatives both made closing statements, but only Chester’s attorney specified a dollar amount. Craig Lavoie, Vanessa’s attorney, asked the jury to hold the officers accountable and told the jury to detain the officers that took the photos, saying Vanessa would live in fear because she knows that the photos can be released anytime. It’s really been an emotional period for Vanessa as she had to go into the courtroom everyday and tell all about the painful details on how the tragic accident occurred.

The federal trial hasn’t been concluded but will continue on Wednesday in Los Angeles.