Kobe Bryant's pilot also flew Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, NBA insider reveals

News of death of Kobe Bryant sent shockwaves across sporting fraternity this week. re was an outpour of support for Kobe Bryant's family after trdy. A number of players in NBA paid tribute to Kobe Bryant on court, with Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young and Washington Wizards taking eight-second and 24-second violations during ir game at Phillips Arena earlier this week. Lakers vs Clippers match-up was also postponed in wake of incident. Reports have w emerged that Clippers star Kawhi Leonard often worked with pilot who was handling helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven ors.

Also Read | Kobe Bryant Death: Lakers Legend Leaves Behind Burgeoning Business Empire

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard often employed same pilot as Kobe Bryant

Ara Zobayan was man who was entrusted with taking Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and daughter, Alyssa to Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks just outside city. According to audio recordings between Zobayan and air traffic control, Zobayan had received Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) clearance moments before flight. 

Also Read | Kobe Bryant Death: Stephen Curry Reacts On Sudden And Devastating Death Of Lakers Legend

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Kawhi Leonard often worked with same pilot. He also had a close relationship with Kobe Bryant, like a number of NBA stars. According to a prominent newspaper in Los Angeles, Zobayan was an experienced pilot and certified flight instructor with more than 8,000 hours of flight time. 

Also Read | Kobe Bryant Death: Rapper Ice Cube Dropped Lakers Legend A Text Following Tragic News

Kobe Bryant helicopter crash update

Los Angeles County coroner's office said that all nine bodies of victims of helicopter crash were recovered and have been "transported to department's Forensic Science Center," coroner's department said in a statement. Developments in 'Kobe Bryant helicopter crash update' story say that heavy fog in area that limited visibility and low altitude for Zoboyan’s flight are  major factors for crash.

Also Read | Kobe Bryant Backed His Daughter Gianna To Carry Black Mamba Legacy Forward: Watch