Fans in Los Angeles have a chance to bid a final farewell to Lakers icon Kobe Bryant.
The California city’s Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Thursday that a memorial is in the works to honor the late NBA legend, his daughter Gianna Bryant and the eight others who died in the helicopter crash that changed the course of history on Sunday.
“There will absolutely be a memorial to mark the contributions of this incredible man and not only him, but to commemorate the loss of his daughter and all the other families that were there,” Garcetti confirmed to the Los Angeles Times. Among those deceased are John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser and the helicopter’s pilot, Ara Zobayan.
“We don’t have that date finalized but we’ve been talking every day to the Lakers, and most importantly, to [Bryant’s widow, Vanessa] as well,” he added. “I think one message that I would say is this is not just about a man who was a basketball player, this is about a father, this is about a leader, this is about a filmmaker, this is about an artist, this is about somebody who was so much more than just how he was on the court.”
No official venue for Bryant’s memorial has been announced while most believe that it might take place at Staple Center now dubbed, “The House that Kobe Bryant Built”. However, celebrity news outlet TMZ speculated that the venue might not be enough for everyone who wants to come and mourn their idol. The outlet reports that the L.A Coliseum and the Rose Bowl are up for consideration.
Shera Elliott graduated from the New Mexico State University with a major in biology and a minor in Biological Basis of Behavior & Health Care Management. Shera grew up in Los Angeles, but moved to Las Cruces for college. Shera has written for several major publications including the Albuquerque Journal and NPR. Shera is a community reporter and also covers stories important important to all Americans.