Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies have been accused of sharing graphic photographs of the scene where Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna and seven others perished in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif., on Jan. 26.
A source has informed the Los Angeles Times that deputies at the scene two days after the crash were discussing how images of the victims’ remains were being shared. It’s unclear whether the deputies took the photos themselves or if they had received them from another unknown person or individuals.
The source went on to indicate that they saw one of the photographs in question on an unspecified official’s phone.
At this point many details remain unknown, but the Sheriff’s Department indicated Thursday that the “matter is being looked into” by the appropriate investigative parties.
The deaths of Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter — along with Christina Mauser; Payton and Sarah Chester; John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli; and pilot Ara Zobayan — has unsurprisingly inspired an incredible outpouring of grief, not only in the NBA but the entire sports world and beyond.
Sadly, the accusations levied against the L.A. deputies — obviously unspecified at this point — is not the first instance when arguably unethical behavior has marred the ongoing memorialization of the nine people who lost their lives.
