Various locations around Los Angeles are set to honor the 9 helicopter crash victims who tragically passed away earlier this year on January 26th. The incident, which took place in Calabasas, California, took the lives of the Altobelli family - John, his wife Keri and their daughter Alyssa - famed NBA icon, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, as well as Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan. The group was en route to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks for a basketball game when the crash occurred.
Many have gathered unofficially over the last two weeks outside of Staples Center to honor those who've passed, but those wishing to attend a formal gathering to mourn the impactful losses can visit one of the locations below.
Monday Feb 10, 4PM at Angel Stadium Memorial for Altobelli family
This ceremony is dedicated to celebrating the lives of the Altobelli family. Father, John Altobelli, was Orange Coast College's longest-tenured head baseball coach and a prominent resident of the O.C.. The family is survived by their children, Lexi and J.J.. The event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 3 p.m.
Sunday Feb 16, 1PM at Edison High School Huntington Beach Memorial for Christina Mauser
Christina Mauser's ceremony will be held at her alma mater where they will honor her legacy and remember her time as the school's 1999 female athlete of the year. The 38-year-old was en route to the Mambas youth girls basketball team where she held the position of Kobe Bryant's top assistant coach. Mauser is survived by her husband, Matt Mauser, and their three children. The service is open to the public and will be held in the school gym.
Monday Feb 24 at 10AM Staples Center
Fans can gather at Kobe Bryant's "home away from home," Staples Center, to celebrate the lives of all 9 crash victims. The location has seen a high-amount of traffic since the incident, with many gathering to pay their respects. Thousands of basketballs, flowers, candles, artwork, and more have been left by fans creating a makeshift memorial. Vanessa Bryant has requested that some of the items be sent to her home in honor of her late husband and child.
The event will not have a procession and is scheduled to end sharply on time to keep on schedule for a Clippers game that night. The date 2-24-20 was chosen special by Vanessa Bryant and the Staples Center to honor Gianna (jersey #2), Kobe (Jersey #24), and 20 (Kobe's 20 years on the Lakers). Information for tickets to the event are not yet available.
Photo Credit: Joel Marasigan