Kobe Bryant with his daughter Gianna at the WNBA All Star Game in July 2019, six months before they died in a helicopter crash in California. USA Today Sports
Kobe Bryant with his daughter Gianna at the WNBA All Star Game in July 2019, six months before they died in a helicopter crash in California. USA Today Sports
Bryant celebrates with Gianna after the Lakers' 99-86 defeat of Orlando Magic in Game 5 of the NBA finals in Orlando. Orlando Sentinel / AP
Bryant celebrates with Gianna after the Lakers' 99-86 defeat of Orlando Magic in Game 5 of the NBA finals in Orlando. Orlando Sentinel / AP
A mural of Bryant and Gianna by artist Mr Brainwash in Los Angeles. Getty
A mural of Bryant and Gianna by artist Mr Brainwash in Los Angeles. Getty
Bryant sinks a shot in the closing seconds against Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the 2009 NBA Finals, in Los Angeles. AP
Bryant sinks a shot in the closing seconds against Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the 2009 NBA Finals, in Los Angeles. AP
Bryant, holding the championship trophy, celebrates with teammates Rick Fox, Lindsey Hunter and Shaquille O'Neal in 2002. AP
Bryant, holding the championship trophy, celebrates with teammates Rick Fox, Lindsey Hunter and Shaquille O'Neal in 2002. AP
Bryant and Glen Keane accept the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film for 'Dear Basketball'. Reuters
Bryant and Glen Keane accept the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film for 'Dear Basketball'. Reuters
O'Neal and Bryant in 2004. Getty
O'Neal and Bryant in 2004. Getty
Bryant walks towards the tunnel after scoring 60 points against Utah Jazz at Staples Centre in Los Angeles. AFP
Bryant walks towards the tunnel after scoring 60 points against Utah Jazz at Staples Centre in Los Angeles. AFP
A man touches a statue in memory of Bryant and Gianna in Calabasas, California, where their helicopter crashed. AP
A man touches a statue in memory of Bryant and Gianna in Calabasas, California, where their helicopter crashed. AP
Flowers next to a mural of Bryant in Los Angeles. EPA
Flowers next to a mural of Bryant in Los Angeles. EPA
Bryant dunks on the way to the US winning the gold medal against Spain at the North Greenwich Arena during the London 2012 Olympic Games. Reuters
Bryant dunks on the way to the US winning the gold medal against Spain at the North Greenwich Arena during the London 2012 Olympic Games. Reuters
Bryant talks with USA Basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski during an Olympic team practice. AP
Bryant talks with USA Basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski during an Olympic team practice. AP
LeBron James greets Bryant on the court. AP
LeBron James greets Bryant on the court. AP
A woman looks up at a mural of Bryant and Gianna in Los Angeles. AP
A woman looks up at a mural of Bryant and Gianna in Los Angeles. AP
Kobe Bryant celebrates after scoring 60 points in his last NBA game at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on April 13, 2016. AFP
Kobe Bryant celebrates after scoring 60 points in his last NBA game at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on April 13, 2016. AFP
LA Lakers' Bryant flashes the victory sign at a parade in downtown Los Angeles. AP
LA Lakers' Bryant flashes the victory sign at a parade in downtown Los Angeles. AP
A municipal basketball court in Los Angeles was painted with an image of Bryant. Reuters
A municipal basketball court in Los Angeles was painted with an image of Bryant. Reuters
Bryant and Gianna watch the US national championships swimming meet in Irvine, California. AP
Bryant and Gianna watch the US national championships swimming meet in Irvine, California. AP
Vanessa, Kobe, Natalia and Gianna Bryant at the world premiere of 'A Wrinkle in Time' in Los Angeles. AP
Vanessa, Kobe, Natalia and Gianna Bryant at the world premiere of 'A Wrinkle in Time' in Los Angeles. AP
Vanessa and Kobe Bryant arrive at the 2018 Oscars in Los Angeles. AP
Vanessa and Kobe Bryant arrive at the 2018 Oscars in Los Angeles. AP

World

US

Los Angeles policeman regrets sharing Kobe Bryant crash photos with bartender

Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's widow, is seeking damages from Los Angeles County over sharing of helicopter crash site pictures

The National

August 16, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

A police officer in Los Angeles, California, has expressed regret over sharing photos with a bartender of the site where Kobe Bryant and his daughter died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.

“I took it too far and did something I shouldn’t have,” Joey Cruz, a deputy in training at the time of the crash, told a Los Angeles federal jury.

Mr Cruz said he was “stressed and overwhelmed” while speaking to the bartender, whom he said is a close friend.

The officer's evidence came on the fourth day of a trial in which Vanessa Bryant, Bryant's widow, is seeking damages from Los Angeles County over the sharing of the crash site photos.

Vanessa Laine Bryant is seen on a screen during a public memorial for NBA great Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others killed in a helicopter crash on January 26, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, US, February 24, 2020. REUTERS
Vanessa Laine Bryant is seen on a screen during a public memorial for NBA great Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others killed in a helicopter crash on January 26, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, US, February 24, 2020. REUTERS
NBA legend Michael Jordan sheds tears during the memorial to celebrate the life of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant at Staples Center. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
NBA legend Michael Jordan sheds tears during the memorial to celebrate the life of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant at Staples Center. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Shaquille O'Neal speaks during The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant at Staples Center on February 24, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images/AFP
Shaquille O'Neal speaks during The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant at Staples Center on February 24, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images/AFP
Jay-Z departs after The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant at Staples Center on February 24, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images/AFP
Jay-Z departs after The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant at Staples Center on February 24, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images/AFP
Kobe's teammate Shaquille O'Neal speaks to the audience during the memorial to celebrate the life of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant at Staples Center. USA TODAY Sports
Kobe's teammate Shaquille O'Neal speaks to the audience during the memorial to celebrate the life of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant at Staples Center. USA TODAY Sports
Vanessa Bryant, wife of Kobe Bryant speaks about her husband, Kobe and daughter, Gianna at NBA Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna's memorial service 'A Celebration of Life: Kobe and Gianna Bryant' at Staple Center in Los Angeles, California, USA, February 24, 2020. EPA/ETIENNE LAURENT
Vanessa Bryant, wife of Kobe Bryant speaks about her husband, Kobe and daughter, Gianna at NBA Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna's memorial service 'A Celebration of Life: Kobe and Gianna Bryant' at Staple Center in Los Angeles, California, USA, February 24, 2020. EPA/ETIENNE LAURENT
US singer Christina Aguilera performs during the "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant" service at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles on February 24, 2020. Kobe Bryant, 41, and 13-year-old Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in the rugged hills west of Los Angeles on January 26. AFP
US singer Christina Aguilera performs during the "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant" service at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles on February 24, 2020. Kobe Bryant, 41, and 13-year-old Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in the rugged hills west of Los Angeles on January 26. AFP
Fans gather around a mural of late NBA great Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant during a public memorial for them and seven others killed in a helicopter crash, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, US, February 24, 2020. REUTERS
Fans gather around a mural of late NBA great Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant during a public memorial for them and seven others killed in a helicopter crash, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, US, February 24, 2020. REUTERS
Fans gather around LA Live during the public memorial for NBA great Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others killed in a helicopter crash, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, US, February 24, 2020. REUTERS
Fans gather around LA Live during the public memorial for NBA great Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others killed in a helicopter crash, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, US, February 24, 2020. REUTERS
A 24 x 24 foot stage, adorned in red roses, awaits those performers and speakers during the memorial to celebrate the life of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant at Staples Center. USA TODAY Sports
A 24 x 24 foot stage, adorned in red roses, awaits those performers and speakers during the memorial to celebrate the life of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant at Staples Center. USA TODAY Sports
Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa Bryant speaks during the "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant" service at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles on February 24, 2020. AFP
Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa Bryant speaks during the "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant" service at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles on February 24, 2020. AFP
Fans and merchants gather around L.A. Live during the public memorial for NBA great Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others killed in a helicopter crash, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, US, February 24, 2020. REUTERS
Fans and merchants gather around L.A. Live during the public memorial for NBA great Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others killed in a helicopter crash, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, US, February 24, 2020. REUTERS
Kobe Bryant's Lakers jerseys are displayed during the "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant" service at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles on February 24, 2020. Kobe Bryant, 41, and 13-year-old Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in the rugged hills west of Los Angeles on January 26. AFP
Kobe Bryant's Lakers jerseys are displayed during the "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant" service at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles on February 24, 2020. Kobe Bryant, 41, and 13-year-old Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in the rugged hills west of Los Angeles on January 26. AFP
Fans gather around a mural of late NBA great Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant during a public memorial for them and seven others killed in a helicopter crash, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, US, February 24, 2020. REUTERS
Fans gather around a mural of late NBA great Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant during a public memorial for them and seven others killed in a helicopter crash, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, US, February 24, 2020. REUTERS
A mural of late NBA great Kobe Bryant is pictured during the public memorial for him, his daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others killed in a helicopter crash, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, US, February 24, 2020. REUTERS
A mural of late NBA great Kobe Bryant is pictured during the public memorial for him, his daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others killed in a helicopter crash, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, US, February 24, 2020. REUTERS

Los Angeles County claims the photos were part of the photography needed to conduct an investigation into the crash and that it had successfully prevented them from surfacing online.

The jury has heard that police deputies and fire department officials shared photos showing Bryant's remains, as well as those of his daughter, Gianna, and the seven others who were killed when the helicopter crashed in Calabasas, California, a community north of Los Angeles.

Deputy Rafael Mejia said he had shared the photos with Mr Cruz and another trainee. In a logged conversation between him and another deputy, he said that “not a single person was intact” at the crash site.

“Looking back now, I absolutely wouldn’t do it again,” Mr Mejia said. He added that they had wanted the photos for their depiction of the scene of the crash, not to see the victim's remains.

“We wanted to know what was up there because we weren’t there,” he said.

Brian Jordan, a former fire captain, had to walk out of the witness box several times while giving evidence on Monday during questions about whether he had taken photos of Bryant's remains. Mr Jordan resisted questions that took him back to the day of the crash, citing stress.

Lawyers for Ms Bryant said Mr Jordan was led around to take site photography of the scene of the crash. Mr Jordan, who retired in 2021, claimed he did not remember taking photographs because he had blocked that day from his memory.

Bloomberg contributed to this report

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPowertrain%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle%20electric%20motor%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E201hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E310Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E53kWh%20lithium-ion%20battery%20pack%20(GS%20base%20model)%3B%2070kWh%20battery%20pack%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E350km%20(GS)%3B%20480km%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C900%20(GS)%3B%20Dh149%2C000%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GULF MEN'S LEAGUE

Pool A Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Exiles, Dubai Tigers 2

Pool B Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Knights Eagles, Dubai Tigers

 

Opening fixtures

Thursday, December 5

6.40pm, Pitch 8, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Knights Eagles

7pm, Pitch 2, Jebel Ali Dragons v Dubai Tigers

7pm, Pitch 4, Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Exiles

7pm, Pitch 5, Bahrain v Dubai Eagles 2

 

Recent winners

2018 Dubai Hurricanes

2017 Dubai Exiles

2016 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

2015 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

2014 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

The Perfect Couple

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor

Creator: Jenna Lamia

Rating: 3/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

MORE ON TURKEY'S SYRIA OFFENCE
'Top Gun: Maverick'

Rating: 4/5

 

Directed by: Joseph Kosinski

 

Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Ed Harris

 
The lowdown

Rating: 4/5

'Spies in Disguise'

Director: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane

Stars: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Karen Gillan and Roshida Jones 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
%3Cp%3ECreator%3A%20Tima%20Shomali%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0Tara%20Abboud%2C%C2%A0Kira%20Yaghnam%2C%20Tara%20Atalla%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Results

6pm: Dubai Trophy – Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m 

Winner: Silent Speech, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby
(trainer) 

6.35pm: Jumeirah Derby Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (T)
1,800m 

Winner: Island Falcon, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor 

7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (Dirt)
1,400m 

Winner: Rawy, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer 

7.45pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m 

Winner: Desert Fire, Hector Crouch, Saeed bin Suroor 

8.20pm: Al Fahidi Fort – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,400m 

Winner: Naval Crown, William Buick, Charlie Appleby 

8.55pm: Dubawi Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m 

Winner: Al Tariq, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watsons 

9.30pm: Aliyah – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 2,000m 

Winner: Dubai Icon, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor  

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo

Transmission: CVT

Power: 170bhp

Torque: 220Nm

Price: Dh98,900

Evacuations to France hit by controversy
  • Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
  • Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
  • The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
  • Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
  • It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
  • Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
  • Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20WonderTree%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20April%202016%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Muhammad%20Waqas%20and%20Muhammad%20Usman%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Karachi%2C%20Pakistan%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%2C%20and%20Delaware%2C%20US%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Special%20education%2C%20education%20technology%2C%20assistive%20technology%2C%20augmented%20reality%3Cbr%3EN%3Cstrong%3Eumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E16%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGrowth%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Grants%20from%20the%20Lego%20Foundation%2C%20UAE's%20Anjal%20Z%2C%20Unicef%2C%20Pakistan's%20Ignite%20National%20Technology%20Fund%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

UAE gold medallists:

Omar Al Suweidi (46kg), Khaled Al Shehhi (50kg), Khalifa Humaid Al Kaabi (60kg), Omar Al Fadhli (62kg), Mohammed Ali Al Suweidi (66kg), Omar Ahmed Al Hosani (73), all in the U18’s, and Khalid Eskandar Al Blooshi (56kg) in the U21s.

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

More on this story

 

Rock in a Hard Place: Music and Mayhem in the Middle East
Orlando Crowcroft
Zed Books

more from Janine di Giovanni
Scream%20VI
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Matt%20Bettinelli-Olpin%20and%20Tyler%20Gillett%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Melissa%20Barrera%2C%20Jasmin%20Savoy%20Brown%2C%20Jack%20Champion%2C%20Dermot%20Mulroney%2C%20Jenna%20Ortega%2C%20Hayden%20Panettiere%20and%20Courteney%20Cox%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)

Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits

Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine

Storage: 128/256/512GB

Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4

Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps

Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID

Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight

In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter

Price: From Dh2,099

Updated: August 16, 2022, 3:54 PM`
USLos AngelesBasketball