Never forgotten

Sarah Taryam, Arts Editor

The world was stunned on Sunday night as news came in of a helicopter crash in the hills above Calabasas in California. On board was none other than basketball legend Kobe Bryant along with his 13-year-old daughter and seven others. There were no survivors. This week we take a look at the real man who was loved by millions and whose name will forever be associated with the LA Lakers.

Apart from his incredible basketball career, 41-year-old Bryant was also known for being a family man. He married his wife Vanessa when they were both young and they went on to have four daughters. Gianna, who was also on board that ill-fated flight, was a budding basketball star who was coached by her father.

In spite of his family image, Bryant was not perfect. Back in 2003 he was arrested and accused of raping a 19-year-old hotel employee. Bryant admitted to having an affair but denied rape. While the case was eventually dropped, he lost endorsement deals and his reputation was damaged.

After publicly apologising and with his wife by his side, Bryant was able to rebuild his image and his basketball career. This scandal could have finished him, but it seemed to have the opposite effect. His rawness and his realness is what made him more lovable in the eyes of the public.

Rapper Nipsey Hussle who was gunned down a year ago in LA seemed to have the same fate. He was heavily involved in gun violence and gangs before he turned his life around and focused on making music, building his family and being involved in charities.

It just goes to show that no matter how badly events may seem, there is always the chance to fix things and get back on the right track. These men did it in front of millions and they will never be forgotten.