Kobe Bryant’s widow has been awarded $16 million (£13.5m) in damages after graphic photos of the helicopter crash which killed the basketball star and his daughter were leaked.

A US jury agreed that the photos, shared by Los Angeles County deputies and firefighters, invaded Vanessa Bryant’s privacy and caused emotional distress.

NBA star Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among the victims killed in the 2020 helicopter crash. They had been traveling to a youth basketball game when the helicopter crashed into hills in Calabasas west of Los Angeles on January 26.

The jury reached the verdict on Kobe Bryant Day, which is celebrated in Los Angeles on August 24 because it represents his jersey numbers – 8 and 24 – and is the day after his birthday. He would have turned 44 on Tuesday.

After the verdict, Mrs Bryant posted a photo on Instagram of herself with her husband and daughter.

Source:standard.co.uk