In Kobe Bryant Suit, U.S. Pares Helicopter Operator’s Claims

Island Express Helicopters Inc., the operator of the helicopter in which Kobe Bryant was killed, can’t proceed with a claim for declaratory relief against air traffic controllers in litigation commenced by Bryant’s widow, a federal judge in California said.

The claim fails because liability for the controllers is governed by the Federal Tort Claims Act and that law only waives sovereign immunity for money damages, the court said.

Island Express may, however, pursue a claim for indemnity, Judge Fernando M. Olguin of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California said.

The court denied the government’s motion to ...