The tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, on January 26, 2020, shook the world. As fans mourned the loss of one of basketball’s greatest players, the tragedy extended far beyond the Bryant family. Seven other passengers, including pilots, coaches, and young athletes, also lost their lives that day—each with their own story, dreams, and grieving families.
Among those left behind is a man whose wife perished alongside Kobe Bryant, and two years after the tragedy, he is speaking out about the overlooked grief that has consumed the families of the other victims. His message is clear: every life lost that day mattered, and their families continue to suffer, even if the world’s attention was primarily focused on Kobe’s passing.
The Other Victims: A Tragedy Beyond Basketball
The helicopter was carrying nine people, all en route to a youth basketball tournament at the Mamba Sports Academy when it crashed in the foggy hills of Calabasas, California. Besides Kobe and Gianna Bryant, the victims included:
- John Altobelli, a longtime baseball coach, his wife Keri Altobelli, and their daughter Alyssa, who was Gianna’s teammate.
- Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton Chester, another young basketball player.
- Christina Mauser, a dedicated basketball coach.
- Ara Zobayan, the experienced pilot flying the helicopter.
Each of these individuals had families, dreams, and people who loved them. Yet, for many of their loved ones, the world seemed to move on too quickly, leaving their grief in the shadows of Kobe Bryant’s global fame.
A Husband’s Fight to Remember His Wife
Christina Mauser, one of the victims, was an assistant coach for Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Academy team. She was known for her passion for the game and dedication to mentoring young athletes. Her husband, Matt Mauser, has spoken openly about the pain of losing his wife and how difficult it has been to raise their children without her.
While he acknowledges the significance of Kobe Bryant’s legacy, he has also expressed frustration that the other victims did not receive the same level of recognition or public mourning. In the immediate aftermath, much of the media coverage focused on Bryant, and the seven other victims became an afterthought.
The Overlooked Grief
For families like the Mausers, Altobellis, and Chesters, the loss was not just a news story—it was a life-shattering reality. While fans worldwide honored Bryant’s legacy with murals, tributes, and memorials, the families of the other victims struggled with their grief in relative obscurity.
Two years later, Matt Mauser continues to share his story, reminding the world that his wife—and all the others—deserve to be remembered. His mission is not to take away from Kobe Bryant’s legacy but to ensure that every victim’s life is honored equally.
Keeping Their Memory Alive
Despite the initial lack of attention, efforts have since been made to recognize all of the victims. Memorial foundations, scholarships, and community programs have been created in their honor.
For the families, the pain of loss will never fade, but through their voices, the world is slowly starting to remember that this tragedy was not just about Kobe Bryant—it was about nine lives lost, nine families broken, and a grief that should never be overlooked.
