01/27/2020
Kobe Bryant, his daughter and 7 others die in helicopter crash
Los Angeles County officials announced NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others are dead after his private helicopter crashed and caught fire Sunday near Calabasas, California. Officials did not immediately identify the pilot and six other passengers. Bryant reportedly was on his way to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, and he was expected to coach Gianna and her team at a basketball tournament Sunday.
■Class discussion: What do you know about Kobe Bryant’s 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers? Were you very upset by the news of his death? Why or why not? Why do people grieve over the death of a sports star or other celebrity whom they have never met? Have you ever considered a famous sports figure one of your heroes? Do you follow the careers or read about the private lives of your favorite celebrities? How does celebrity culture affect our everyday lives and our politics?