The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner released the results of autopsies on Kobe Bryant and the eight other victims of the January 26 helicopter crash on Friday.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s autopsy report on Friday formalized the cause of death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash on January 26.
A quick death
The findings of the investigation confirm the deaths of the nine victims following blunt trauma resulting from the accidental crash of their helicopter in the hills of Calabasas. At the time of the collision, the vehicle was travelling at nearly 296km/h, explaining the force of the impact.
The coroner’s office also explained that the passengers had most likely lost their lives instantly. “This type of injury causes a quick if not immediate death,” Juan Carrillo, senior coroner, wrote of Kobe Bryant’s death. The nine victims probably did not suffer before they died, which may ease the pain of their loved ones a little.
No alcohol or drugs in the blood
While the coroner confirmed post-mortem burns and numerous post-mortem fractures on each of the victims, none of them showed traces of alcohol or drugs in their blood, including the helicopter pilot. As a result, the accident was not caused by a second condition.
Toxicology examination of Kobe Bryant, whose body was found near the chopper’s carcass, revealed the presence of methylphenidate in his blood, ESPN reported. Very powerful, this substance is legally used to treat narcolepsy and hyperactivity. The multicolored shoes That Kobe Bryant wore that day, as well as his tattoos on his arms (a crown, the names of his wife Vanessa and daughters) were identified. Nearly four months after the NBA star’s death, the spotlight is partly on this tragic event.
