USA TODAY Sports is marking the first anniversary of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and eight others with a six-day series of stories, photos and videos looking back at the Lakers legend and the aftermath of his death.
Kobe Bryant's death in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020 is one of those moments people will always remember where they were when they heard the news.
"A lot of guys dropped to the floor and started crying," says Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr of his team's practice that day. "Nothing happened for 10 minutes. We all just sat there in silence. It was one of the worst moments of all of our lives. I don't think any of us will ever forget that day."
USA TODAY Sports is looking back at that day and the days since to mark the first anniversary. Those who knew Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and the seven others who died are still trying to make sense of the crash, as are those who were fans of the NBA legend.
The legacy: Trying to understand Bryant's complicated life
Best-selling author Jeff Pearlman spent 2½ years writing a book about the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O'Neal-Phil Jackson Lakers, and explains that truthfulness is needed when discussing Bryant's full life. Read more.
The lawsuits: Legal fallout vast and complicated
The first lawsuit was filed on the same day more than 20,000 mourners packed into Staples Center to say goodbye to Bryant and Gianna. Now there are at least nine cases in state or federal court and at least 35 listed attorneys from a dozen firms – plus the U.S. Department of Justice. Read more.
The love: 'An outpouring of public art'
Hundreds of murals have been painted in honor of Bryant, Gianna, and the seven others who died, including more than a dozen within walking distance of Staples Center. “There are probably murals in every corner of the world that I don’t know about," says Mike Asner, who oversees kobemural.com. Read more.
The players: Why current players idolized Bryant more than LeBron, MJ
Bryant’s influence runs deep in the NBA. Many of today’s players grew up watching Bryant and modeling aspects of their game after him. Moves. Shots and dunks. Footwork. Mid-range dominance. “He was our generation's Jordan in terms of iconic moves," says Steph Curry. Read more.
The hometown: Remembering Lower Merion's state title team
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the championship season, and many of the players on that team are still in touch and still talking about Bryant's exploits and his death. "Nobody could, and nobody can, make sense of it,” says Jeremy Treatman, an assistant coach with the Aces’ state title team. Read more.
The families: 'I’m trying to find the positive. I’m fighting for joy.'
The surviving family members are finding different ways to work through their grief, from a benefit concert to commemorative coins. Read more.
The crash: What investigators have learned and what's to come
The facts surrounding the crash – from the pilot's experience, to the weather conditions, to the helicopter's safety features – are known. And a final determination on what caused the crash is now weeks away with the National Transportation Safety Board set to release its final report on Feb. 9. Read more.
The crash site: How a nearby church supported fans
The Church in the Canyon, located across the street from the site of the crash, welcomed fans immediately after the crash to mourn the death of Bryant and eight others. “It was very life changing,” said Irvin Guillermo, 32, of the sermon Pastor Bob Bjerkaas delivered. Read more.
The academy: How Bryant's sports facility goes on
The Mamba Sports Academy has changed its name, but the mission remains the same following Bryant's death. “We found a common ground where we could at least go and be in any environment that we all loved and do the things we love to get better at," says Sports Academy CEO Chad Faulkner. "We found a right meeting place for some good healing to happen.” Read more.
The camp: How Bryant taught NBA players
Several months before his death, Bryant invited NBA players to his exclusive – and now legendary – mini-camp. Those players still talk about the honor and the lessons learned. “For me, it was drop everything on the schedule and make it happen,” Sixers forward Tobias Harris said. “Just to be able to learn from my idol. Once I got the call, I was all in." Read more.
The coverage: His final interview, his death and his legacy
USA TODAY Sports interviewed Bryant for the last time before his death, and in this video, journalists recall the experience and contrast it against covering Bryant's death a few days later. Read more.