Vanessa Bryant Wins Kobe Crash Photos Case; Awarded $16M In Damages

Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa Bryant wipes away tears as she speaks during the "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant" at Staples Center. Kobe and Gianna Bryant were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash on January 26 AFP / Frederic J. BROWN

KEY POINTS

A court has ordered Los Angeles County to pay Vanessa Bryant $16 million
First responders took photos of the site of her husband Kobe and daughter Gianna's crash and shared the images with their colleagues
Nine jurors unanimously agreed that Vanessa's privacy had been invaded and that she experienced emotional distress

Los Angeles County must pay Vanessa Bryant $16 million in damages after first responders took photos of the site of the helicopter crash that killed her husband, basketball legend Kobe Bryant, and their daughter Gianna Bryant, a California jury ruled Wednesday.

Following an hours-long deliberation Wednesday, nine jurors unanimously agreed with Vanessa and her attorneys that Los Angeles County deputies and firefighters invaded the widow's privacy and caused her emotional distress, the Associated Press reported.

Vanessa had been promised that the site of the Jan. 26, 2020, crash that killed Kobe, Gianna and seven others would be kept private, but responders allegedly used their cellphones to take photos for personal use.

The pictures, which showed "broken bodies, close-ups of limbs and burnt flesh," were then shared with colleagues, Vanessa's lawyers claimed.

They were also reportedly shared mostly between employees of the Los Angeles County sheriff's and fire departments.

"I live in fear every day of being on social media and these popping up. I live in fear of my daughters being on social media and these popping up," Vanessa testified during the trial.

The verdict on Vanessa's lawsuit was given on Kobe Bryant Day, a day that commemorates the life of the basketball star. It is celebrated on Aug. 24 as it represents Kobe's jersey numbers, 8 and 24, and it is also the day after his birthday. Kobe would have turned 44 Tuesday.

"All for you! I love you! JUSTICE for Kobe and Gigi!" read the caption of a photo that Vanessa shared on Instagram following the verdict.

In addition to awarding Vanessa $16 million, Wednesday's decision also ordered Los Angeles County to pay $15 million to her co-plaintiff Chris Chester.

Chester's wife and daughter, Sarah and Payton, were among the people killed in the 2020 crash.

"We're grateful for a jury and judge who gave us a fair trial," Jerry Jackson, Chester's lawyer, was quoted as saying by Associated Press.

Vanessa and her attorneys did not give jurors a dollar amount they thought she deserved. They declined to comment outside court Wednesday, according to AP.

An attorney for Los Angeles County declined to comment on the verdict outside of the courtroom, according to the outlet.