A statue depicting the late Kobe and Gianna Bryant has been erected at the helicopter crash site where they lost their lives two years ago.
Los Angeles sculptor Dan Medina created the 160lbs bronze statue and hauled it up to the site in Calabasas on Wednesday, January 26.
Two years ago on that date, Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and seven others boarded a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter for a routine trip to a basketball game. The group was traveling to Camarillo Airport in Ventura County for a game at Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks.
However, all nine of those on board lost their lives after the helicopter crashed into the hills. As well as Kobe and Gianna, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, and Ara Zobayan also perished in the crash.
The tragic incident left people around the world in shock, with those in the basketball community still reeling from the loss of one of the sport's most iconic players.
Sadly, Medina revealed that the stunning tribute was only a temporary piece and reportedly removed the piece at sunset on Wednesday evening. Speaking to TMZ, the artist now hopes the city will give him permission to erect a larger and more detailed version of the statue permanently at the site.
The artwork shows Kobe in his Lakers gear, with his arm wrapped lovingly around his daughter, who is also depicted in her basketball uniform.
The base of the statue includes an inscription of one of Kobe's most famous quotes: "Heroes come and go, but legends are forever." Also engraved on the base are the names of all nine of the victims who died in the crash.
After sharing images of the statue on his Instagram page, Medina was inundated with praise from thankful fans.
"This is amazing and you’re amazing for doing this," wrote one Instagram user.
A second added: "So beautiful! It gives me chills seeing it. Lovely tribute."
Let's hope one day Medina gets the permission he needs to erect a permanent tribute to the nine people who lost their lives two years ago.
