Kobe Bryant helicopter crash scene photos deleted

Scene of the wreckage of the helicopter that killed NBA star Kobe Bryant [COURTESY]

The graphic photos of the helicopter crash scene that saw NBA star Kobe Bryant perish have been deleted, according to a Los Angeles County Sheriff.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva told the press he ordered the destruction/deleting of the photos since they would be distributed among the public.

“We’ve communicated in no uncertain terms that the behavior is inexcusable. I mean, people are grieving for the loss of their loved ones. To have that on top of what they’ve already gone through is unconscionable. And, to think any member of our department would be involved in that,” said Villanueva.

Villanueva added the Sherriff’s department got to know of the existence of the photos after trainee deputy was reportedly overheard discussing them at a bar.

 “We are demanding that those responsible for these alleged actions face the harshest possible discipline and that their identities be brought to light, to ensure that the photos are not further disseminated,” said Vannesa Bryant’s laywer Gary Robb.

Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among the nine people that died following a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California [COURTESY]

Robb argued the act was ‘unspeakable’, saying it defiled the victims and their families privacy rights.

Sheriff Villanueva ass that investigations were still ongoing, with those involved likely to face disciplinary action.

“Had we done the original, usual routine, which was relieve everybody of duty and everybody lawyers up and all that, that would increase the odds 10-fold that those photos would have somehow made their way into the public domain. And that’s definitely what we do not want,” explained the Sherrif.

Retired basketball superstar Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among the nine people that died following a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on January 26.

The group was headed to Thousand Oaks, California for a basketball game where Gianna was expected to play, with her dad Kobe expected to coach.

Kobe and daughter Gianna [COURTESY]

Los Angeles County sheriff Alex Villanueva confirmed everyone on board died during a news conference.

According to Daryl Osby, the Los Angeles County Fire Department chief, the helicopter crashed 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, causing a bush fire.

All the victims;

They include Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester and Ara Zobayan, the pilot.

Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and Daughter Alyssa were among those who lost their lives. Altobelli is an ex-assistant baseball coach at the University of Houston.

Kobe’s daughter Gianna and Alyssa were teammates at the Mamba Academy.  

Also killed was Christina Mauser, an assistant basketball coach at Harbor Day School in Corona del Mar, California.

"My kids and I are devastated. We lost our beautiful wife and mom today in a helicopter crash," her husband posted on Facebook.

A news release from Orange Coach College Pirate Ahletics paid tribute to Altobelli, whom they described as a mentor.

"It's hard to put into words what this loss means to the college and the athletics department. John was a tremendous coach and an even better friend. Beyond that, he was an amazing mentor to all of the students and athletes that he taught and coached. He treated them all like family and his impact will live on forever," read the release.

Payton Chester, Gianna’s teammate and her mother Sarah Chester were also identified as crash victims.

Also killed was 50-year-old pilot Ara Zobayan.