Kobe Bryant Death Not Air Traffic Controllers’ Fault, U.S. Says

Federal air traffic controllers aren’t to blame for the 2020 death of NBA star Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash, the government told the Central District of California Friday in a response cross claims brought by helicopter operator Island Express Helicopters Inc.

The government denied Island Express’ assertion that Bryant’s death was caused by “a series of erroneous acts and/or omissions” by the controllers.

The crash wasn’t caused by a miscommunication between two traffic controllers, the government told the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

The government denied that controller Kyle Larsen had an obligation to inform ...