Vanessa Bryant Reportedly Sues Helicopter Pilot Over Crash That Killed Kobe & Gianna Bryant

Attorneys for Vanessa Bryant have reportedly filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company that operated the helicopter that crashed, killing her husband, daughter, and seven others.

The documents were filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court against Fillmore-based Island Express Holding Corp. and Island Express Helicopters. The suit alleges that pilot Ara Zobayan, who also died in the crash in Calabasas, failed “to use ordinary care in piloting the subject aircraft” and was negligent.

“Defendant Island Express Helicopters authorized, directed and/or permitted a flight with full knowledge that the subject helicopter was flying into unsafe weather conditions,” the lawsuit says according to the LA Times.

The lawsuit alleges the company did not provide “adequate training and/or supervision” after the FAA citation “to ensure the negligent action did not re-occur” and claims it “promoted and engaged in unnecessary and needlessly risky means of transport under the circumstances.” 

Island Express is also accused of negligence for not installing a terrain alarm system in the helicopter. The system could have warned Zobayan he was nearing a hillside. 

Bryant is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. The amount isn’t specified.