This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
On May 15, 2020, the Los Angeles County coroner's office released the autopsy report of Ara Zobayan, the pilot of the helicopter that crashed in California, killing Kobe Bryant and eight others.
The report found that Zobayan, 50, did not have alcohol or drugs in his system at the time of the crash. The helicopter was traveling at 296 kilometers per hour (184 mph) when it crashed into the hillside after running into heavy fog and cloud cover.
According to the report, all nine people on board died instantly due to blunt force trauma. The manner of death for each was listed as accidental.
Kobe Bryant, 41, had injuries to nearly his entire body, which were described as rapidly fatal. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna also died in the crash.
Other victims included two youth basketball teammates of Gianna Bryant: 14-year-old Alyssa Altobelli and 13-year-old Payton Chester, as well as their parents and a basketball coach.
Vanessa Bryant, the basketball star's widow, had previously filed a wrongful death lawsuit against helicopter operator Island Express.
Bryant was a legendary basketball player who won five NBA championships for the Los Angeles Lakers during 20 NBA seasons. He was the NBA's most valuable player in 2007-08 and was a 15-time all-NBA selection.
