A celebrated professional basketball player tragically lost his life along with his second daughter four years ago. His eldest child is now a young adult who forged a different career path.
On January 26, 2020, news broke that the father and daughter duo had died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, with seven other people onboard.
Wreckage of the crashed helicopter pictured on the ground on January 26, 2020, in Calabasas, California. | Source: Getty Images
The NBA star, was en route to a youth basketball game with his 13-year-old daughter when the fatal incident occurred, sending shockwaves around the world.
The site of the helicopter crash photographed on January 26, 2020, in Calabasas, California. | Source: Getty Images
It was not the first time the Lakers star used the helicopter as it had been his mode of transportation for several years and was the same one that brought him to his final game with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016.
The Los Angeles Lakers playing against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The Athlete Had Four Children with His Wife
The sportsman was married to a former model, Vanessa Bryant, whom he wed in April 2001. The couple welcomed four daughters together within their 18-year marriage.
Their eldest child, Natalia, was born on January 19, 2003. Vanessa once revealed that her beloved husband wanted their first daughter to take over his company one day. They used to binge-watch movies together.
The five-time NBA champion and his beautiful wife welcomed their second child, Gianna, on May 1, 2006. The teenager had a close relationship with her famous father, who called her the female version of him.
Best known as “Gigi,” the youngster adopted the nickname Mambacita, like her dad’s alter-ego, the Black Mamba. She also followed in his footsteps by playing basketball and was coached by him until their untimely deaths.
The athlete and Vanessa’s third daughter is Bianka, whom they welcomed on December 5, 2016. She was born three years after they called off their divorce.
The athlete pictured celebrating victory with his family following Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Amway Arena on June 14, 2009 in Orlando, Florida | Source: Getty Images
Bianka’s late father gave her the nickname “BB.” She made headlines in August 2023 following her interaction with Taylor Swift, who gave her the hat she was wearing, and the moment went viral.
The basketball player and Vanessa’s youngest daughter is Capri, who arrived on June 20, 2019. Her father nicknamed her “Koko2” and shared the first picture of her on social media as he introduced her to the world.
The day after her birth, the proud dad penned on Instagram that he and his loved ones were pleased to welcome their newest addition. Capri was sadly less than a year old when her beloved father and big sister passed away.
Kobe Bryant’s Daughter Was Hired by Beyoncé
Kobe Bryant and Vanessa’s firstborn, Natalia, is now a 21-year-old college student studying at the University of Southern California. She is also a professional model and has appeared at events like the Met Gala.
Moreover, the California native, who graced the cover of Town & Country Family Issue 2024, is an aspiring filmmaker. In the exclusive interview with the magazine, she reportedly said, “In terms of legacy, my main goal is just to be the best version of me that I possibly can.”
Aside from attending auspicious events, rubbing shoulders with famous stars, and being a cover girl, Natalia has worked for global superstar Beyoncé.
Singer Beyonce performs at the Staples Center on July 13, 2009 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In May 2023, the multi-Grammy Award winner announced her list of people credited for working on her summer Renaissance world tour, and Natalia was listed as an intern.
She interned at Parkwood Entertainment, Beyoncé’s record label and management company that she founded in 2010. This was Natalia’s second time working with the singer, as she previously appeared in her November 2021 Adidas Ivy Park Campaign video, “Break My Soul.”
Meanwhile, her family’s wealth has reportedly skyrocketed to $600 million in recent years. Natalia’s mother accumulated most of her late spouse’s money throughout his 20-year basketball career. The couple reportedly didn’t have a prenuptial agreement.
The two-time gold medalist also amassed success off the court, having invested between $4 million to $6 million into the then-start-up sports drink company BodyArmor in 2014.
Coca-Cola later bought it for $5.6 billion in 2021 and the Kobe Bryant Estate made an estimated $400 million from the deal. Following her husband’s death, Vanessa, took charge of the family estate.