Vanessa Bryant sues LA County Sheriff's department for sharing Kobe's crash site photo

Shortly after Kobe Bryant's helicopter crashed on January 26, some personal photos of crash site were taken and shared by LA County Sheriff's department's deputies. In March, sheriff Alex Villanueva had reportedly told all deputies – who reportedly admitted to ir mistake mselves – to delete those photos. However, Kobe Bryant's wife, Vanessa, was reportedly "devastated" by all ims that were being circulated. As per recent reports, Vanessa has decided to sue Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department over same, while alleging some more misconduct. 

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Vanessa Bryant sues LA sheriff and sheriff's department over Kobe Bryant crash ims

According to LA Times, Vanessa has sued LA County Sheriff's Department for sharing "unauthorized" pictures of crash site that claimed lives of Kobe Bryant, ir 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven ors. lawsuit accuses that " fewer than 8 sheriff’s deputies at crash site, pulled out ir personal cell phones and snapped photos of dead children, parents and coaches. deputies took se photos for ir own personal gratification.”

Reports add that after crash, Villanueva has "personally" assured Vanessa that scene would be secured and ir privacy would be maintained. However, an LA Times investigation revealed that photos were shared. According to Vanessa' lead attorney, lawsuit filed is based on "accountability", and about preventing something like this from happening to or families who've lost ir loved ones. 

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After crash, it was reported that five deputies and three trainees (or reserves) had shared photos. As a result, Villanueva had asked m to delete photos if y didn't want to face disciplinary action. Following reveal, Vanessa was reported to have been "distressed" that sheriff's department did t launch an investigation and story had to be published by LA Times first. 

Did LA Sheriff attempt to cover-up Kobe and Gigi leaked photos?

As per lawsuit, Villanueva attempted to "cover-up" situation by asking deputies to delete ims. lawsuit also accuses department of "negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress and invasion of her right to privacy." However, Villanueva refused to comment on allegations, stating that ir actions were "correct ones" based on situation. He added that out of eight deputies involved, one photo was shared outside ir department. 

According to lawsuit, one of deputies shared graphic photos with a woman at a rwalk bar. bartender was reportedly one who reported sharing of photos after overhearing ir conversation. Earlier, in May, Villanueva was one who proposed legislation, which focused on making it illegal for first responders to take and share photos of a deceased person unless it's for an official investigation. 

Later, LA Sheriff's move to ask deputies to delete photos was scrutinized, as people said it could be destruction of evidence. LA Times added that re was a cover-up on department's part, as y did t follow "rmal investigative protocols". Villanueva, however, insisted that this case had " crime, investigation, evidence period.”

lawsuit furr adds that Villanueva, instead of informing families, attempted to "cover-up" situation. “Mrs Bryant feels ill at thought of strangers gawking at ims of her deceased husband and child and she lives in fear that she or her children will one day confront horrific ims of ir loved ones online,” lawsuit says. y furr add that several people on social media also claimed to have seen photos. 

Also read | Vanessa Bryant sues LASD for allegedly sharing Kobe Bryant crash scene photos: Kobe Bryant, Gigi leaked photos

Attorney Gary C Robb referred to situation as "inexcusable and deplorable," asking those involved to face “harshest possible discipline." Robb added that after Vanessa asked for area to be guarded against photographers, y believe sheriff adhered to ir requests and ensured that " photos are t furr disseminated.” However, y maintain that it was a violation of human decency and respect. 

Previously, Vanessa has sued helicopter company – Island Express Helicopters. lawsuit accused company of 'general, ecomic and punitive dams' while also mentioning negligence, which y said was cause of Bryant and Gianna's death. documents furr mentioned pilot Ara Zobayan, who y accuse of 'negligent conduct', for which  helicopter company is ‘vicariously liable’. 

Also read | Vanessa Bryant sues Kobe Bryant's helicopter company in wrongful death lawsuit

(Im credits: AP)