Kobe Bryant's daughter Natalia was rushed to hospital after learning of father and sister's death: Report
Kobe Bryant's eldest daughter, Natalia, had to be rushed to the hospital after it was confirmed that the basketball legend and her younger sister Gianna had died in a helicopter crash, it has been claimed.
Kobe, 41, Gianna, 13, and seven others, including two members of the latter's basketball team at the Mamba Academy, died when the helicopter carrying them crashed into a mountainside in Calabasas, California, on January 26. The news sent shockwaves across the world, with Natalia, 17, reportedly said to have been so upset that she had to be rushed to the hospital.
Natalia reportedly suffers from asthma. Kobe's and Gianna's death triggered a reaction and she couldn't stop hyperventilating, resulting in her being taken in for treatment.
Despite her father's status in the US and the world due to his decorated basketballing career with the Los Angeles Lakers and Gianna's similar obsession with the game, Natalia has always shown a penchant for volleyball. A student of Sage Hill High School in Los Angeles, she played as a middle hitter for the school team, with her highlight videos gaining virality on the Internet.
She likely saw some closure in the tragic death of her father and sister after it was reported that both were laid to rest in a private funeral held at the Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar, California, on Friday, February 7. "Vanessa and the family wanted a private service to mourn their loss," a source said. "The ceremony was extremely hard for everyone as it's still hard for them to grasp the lost two beautiful souls."
It has also been confirmed that a public memorial service would take place at Los Angeles' Staples Center, where Kobe plied his trade for most of his career with the Lakers and which is lovingly referred to as the 'house that Kobe Built.' Vanessa had posted an invitation for the event — described as a 'Celebration of Life' and set to take place on February 24 — that featured 24 butterflies in purple and yellow, the signature color of the Lakers. The date, 2/24/20, is similarly significant: it corresponds with the No. 2 jersey worn by Gianna, the No. 24 jersey worn by Bryant, and the 20 years he spent with the Lakers.
It will be attended by friends, family, NBA officials, and NBA players, as well as season ticket holders and local politicians. Members of the public will be given the chance to go too but will have to buy tickets that will be handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis.