Celebrity and Death: Kobe Bryant Wasn’t The Only One In The Helicopter

I get it-media is looking to sell papers, get hits and make money.

But I’m oh, so tired of the only names mentioned when tragedy strikes being ones that make good headlines.

Mr. Bryant was traveling to a youth basketball tournament with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, who was also killed in Sunday’s crash. Two of her teammates and their parents also died.
The NY TIMES, Morning Briefing

Kobe Bryant and his daughter were killed Sunday in a helicopter crash.

So were John Altobelli, his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa, Sarah Chester and daughter Payton, along with Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan, the pilot.

No one survived.

Every family that lost a member in this awful accident will have to walk the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Money and fame don’t protect a heart from the pain, sorrow, despair and overwhelming darkness death brings with it.

But public focus on only the rich and famous can add to the burden when your family member is among the slain.

No life is more sacred than another life.

Every life matters.

Author: Melanie

I am a shepherd, wife and mother of four amazing children, three that walk the earth with me and one who lives with Jesus. This is a record of my grief journey and a look into the life I didn't choose. If you are interested in joining a community of bereaved parents leaning on the promises of God in Christ, please like the public Facebook page, "Heartache and Hope: Life After Losing a Child" and join the conversation. View all posts by Melanie

6 thoughts on “Celebrity and Death: Kobe Bryant Wasn’t The Only One In The Helicopter”

Sharon says:

January 31, 2020 at 8:56 am

Yes Kobe and his daughter, Gigi , were the first mentioned because he was famous, but remember , he was also a son, a brother, a husband, and a father! Yes, when a famous person dies , it is on the news , because it is news, especially if they were as well known as Kobe was. “Regular” people, such as you or me or not normally mentioned, or else there would be nothing but tributes and memorials on the news every day, all day, for all who died. Even in plane crashes, shootings, etc. most names are not mentioned, only a select few, the media deems newsworthy. After the first few hours of the helicopter crash, every news source I saw , did mention the other victims in the crash. Maybe all the families hadn’t been notified? Maybe the families didn’t want to be mentioned by name the first day, in order to gather themselves? Foundations have been set up for the other families and that is because Kobe was famous that these others families will get much needed support. I pray for Kobe, his daughter, Gigi, and all the victims in the crash, and their families. Famous or not they were all human, and all had families they left behind, and as we well know , have a forever empty place in their hearts for their loss.

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Carol Lavelle says:

January 29, 2020 at 4:41 pm

Thank God He knows them all by name and now they are all held safely with Him.
Shame on the media.

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Carmen says:

January 29, 2020 at 6:24 am

Amen Melanie.

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Leggy says:

January 29, 2020 at 6:08 am

Couldn’t agree with you more Melanie

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Rebecca Carney - One Woman's Perspective says:

January 29, 2020 at 3:45 am

I’ve thought the same thing. Although Kobe Bryant was certainly the most high profile person who died in that crash, each and every one of those families bear the heavy, heavy weight of grief of losing a dearly loved family member. Each and every one of them matter. Each and every one of them!

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1. Melanie says:
  
  January 29, 2020 at 5:25 am
  
  They certainly do matter. Praying for all those families. ❤
  
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