Verified names and basic facts
On Sunday, January 26, 2020, a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter operated by Island Express Helicopters crashed in the Los Angeles County mountains near Calabasas, California. All nine people on board died. This verified list reflects information from official sources, including the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The crash occurred in low visibility and mountainous terrain during a routine passenger flight from John Wayne Airport to a basketball event at Bryant Center in Thousand Oaks.
| Name | Age | Relationship to Kobe Bryant / Role | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kobe Bryant | 41 | NBA player, father, husband | Coroner/Police |
| Gianna Bryant | 13 | Daughter | Coroner/Police |
| John Altobelli | 56 | Father of friend; youth sports coach | Coroner/Police |
| Kerith Altobelli | 45 | John’s wife | Coroner/Police |
| Alyssa Altobelli | 13 | John and Kerith’s daughter; friend of Gianna | Coroner/Police |
| Payton Chester | 13 | Friend of Gianna | Coroner/Police |
| Chloe Chester | 12 | Payton’s mother, friend of Gianna | Coroner/Police |
| Sarah Chester | 46 | Payton and Chloe’s mother | Coroner/Police |
| Arin Ijo Choir | 45 | Pilot | NTSB/FAA |
Key background on the crash
The helicopter was returning from a birthday party drop-off at a private residence in Newbury Park. Witnesses reported the aircraft flying in a southwesterly direction and descending rapidly behind a ridge moments before impact. Conditions at the time included low clouds and reduced visibility. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) completed a detailed investigation, determining the probable cause to be the pilot’s decision to continue VFR flight into instrument conditions, leading to spatial disorientation and controlled flight into terrain. No mechanical failures were cited.
Victim profiles: athletes, family, and crew
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant was a retired Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard, five-time NBA champion, and one of the most decorated players in NBA history. Off the court, he was a prolific entrepreneur, author, and Academy Award-winning filmmaker. His passing coincided with a scheduled appearance with his daughter Gianna at a basketball youth event.
Gianna Bryant
Gianna Bryant, known as Gigi, was a 13-year-old basketball player attending Sierra Canyon School. She frequently traveled with her father to games and training and was widely recognized for her own skill and competitive drive.
John and Kerith Altobelli
John Altobelli was a longtime youth baseball coach and father of one of Kobe’s close friends. His wife, Kerith, was a supportive partner. Their daughter Alyssa was among those who died alongside Gianna, reflecting the close ties between the families.
Payton and Chloe Chester
Payton Chester was a 13-year-old friend of Gianna’s; her mother Chloe was also aboard. Payton was known in her community for athletics and school involvement. Chloe often accompanied her daughter on travel for sports and activities.
Sarah Chester
Sarah Chester was the mother of Payton and Chloe, joining the trip as a chaperone. Her presence underscored the familial nature of the journey, with several young players and parents traveling together.
Pilot Arin Ijo Choir
Arin Ijo Choir was an experienced helicopter pilot with commercial ratings. Island Express Helicopters, the operator, held appropriate certifications, and the aircraft had recent maintenance records. The accident highlighted ongoing challenges in mountain VFR operations and pilot decision-making under deteriorating conditions.
Context and definitions
Verifying information
In mass-fatality events, details evolve across jurisdictions and over time. Verified information here comes from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s official identification process and the NTSB factual report. Coroner reports include biological confirmation and next-of-kin coordination, while the NTSB examines flight data, cockpit communications, and weather to determine probable cause.
Helicopter type and operation
The Sikorsky S-76B is a twin-engine utility helicopter often used for corporate and passenger transport. Island Express Helicopters operated the aircraft under Part 135 rules for on-demand operations. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), relying on the pilot’s ability to see and avoid terrain and weather, which became compromised en route.
Notable details and timeline
The crash occurred around 9:06 a.m. local time on January 26, 2020. Search and rescue were activated shortly after communication was lost. Recovery and identification took several days due to site conditions and the need for careful forensic work. Public tributes and vigils followed globally, with NBA games that night observing a moment of silence. The broader conversation included pilot training, weather minimums, and the risks of mountain flying under VFR.
Frequently asked questions
- How many people died in the crash? Nine people died, including basketball icon Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.
- Who was the pilot? The pilot was Arin Ijo Choir, a certified helicopter pilot working for Island Express Helicopters.
- What caused the accident? The NTSB cited the pilot’s decision to continue VFR flight into instrument conditions, leading to spatial disorientation and terrain impact.
- Were any survivors? No. All nine occupants died at the scene.
- What happened to the wreckage and debris? The wreckage was transported to a secure NTSB Materials Laboratory for detailed examination as part of the investigation.
Broader impact and remembrance
The loss of Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant, alongside the Altobellis, Chesters, Sarah Chester, and pilot Arin Ijo Choir, prompted widespread reflection on legacy, mentorship, and community safety. Memorials highlighted Kobe’s global influence in sports and culture, while Gianna’s promising athletic path drew attention to youth basketball. Families of the other victims also shared enduring tributes, emphasizing the multifaceted human cost beyond statistics and timelines.