Kobe Bryant’s wife Vanessa Bryant is reportedly “devastated” that LA County deputies shared photos of her family members’ mangled bodies on their cell phones.
Kobe Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna Bryant, 13, were killed along with seven others in a helicopter crash in the hills of Calabasas in January.
The helicopter erupted into flames immediately upon impact with the hillside. The nine bodies were crushed and burned beyond recognition.
The Los Angeles Times reported that deputies shared graphic images of the remains at the crash site.
At least nine emergency responders took pictures of the remains on their cell phones. One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he saw photos on the phone of an LA County official who was not at the crash site on Jan. 26.
Vanessa’s attorney, Gray Robb, released a statement early Sunday morning that said Vanessa was “absolutely devastated” by the allegations.
On the day of the crash, Vanessa went to the sheriff’s office to personally request that the area be designated a no-fly zone to protect the scene from airborne paparazzi, according to Robb’s statement.
Robb added that Vanessa made the request to protect the dignity of all the victims and their families.
On Monday, the LA County Sheriff released a statement saying the graphic photos were “deleted” from all cell phones on the sheriff’s orders.
An insider source said deputies were told if they come clean and delete the photos from their phones, they would not face discipline.
But other sources within the sheriff’s office said the sheriff’s decision to destroy all of the photos could amount to the destruction of evidence.
Vanessa will need the photos in case she decides to file a lawsuit against the county and the sheriff’s office.
