In a recent development following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of all nine individuals on board, including the revered NBA legend Kobe Bryant, new insights have emerged from the legal arena.
The brother of the pilot, Ara Zobayan, Berge Zobayan, who has been designated as the successor in interest, has made assertions via court filings suggesting that the passengers themselves bore fault and were negligent in the events leading up to the catastrophe.
According to the detailed seven-page document submitted by attorneys representing Berge Zobayan, it is contended that any injuries or damages sustained by the plaintiffs, including the decedents, were directly caused, either wholly or partially, by the alleged negligence or fault of the passengers.
The filing goes further to underscore that the passengers were cognizant of the inherent risks associated with the journey, implying that their awareness of these risks absolves Berge Zobayan of any responsibility for the purported damages.
Moreover, the response filed by Zobayan’s legal team seeks to deflect culpability onto third parties, contending that the negligence, fault, or wrongful conduct of these entities—over which Zobayan had no control—played a significant role in the tragic outcome.
Among the various requests articulated in the response, Berge Zobayan’s attorneys have petitioned for a judgment in their client’s favor and the dismissal of the wrongful death lawsuit initiated by Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Kobe Bryant.
It is notable that Vanessa Bryant’s legal representation filed the complaint on February 24, coinciding with a poignant memorial service held for Kobe Bryant and their daughter, Gianna, who were also among the passengers.
The lawsuit targets Island Express, the helicopter company, and Ara Zobayan, citing multiple instances of alleged negligence as the cause of the crash. Island Express, however, has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation.
Arthur Willner, the attorney representing Berge Zobayan, has provided limited commentary, stating only that his client is the pilot’s brother. In addition, the response categorically denies each allegation put forth in Vanessa Bryant’s lawsuit, emphasizing a staunch defense on behalf of Berge Zobayan. Despite the legal back-and-forth, no trial date has been set as of yet.
It’s noteworthy that other lawsuits brought forth by families who lost loved ones in the tragic incident do not include Zobayan as a defendant. Instead, these claims focus on Island Express Helicopters, the company that owned and operated the aircraft.
In April, the families of victims Christina Mauser and John Altobelli, his wife Keri, and their daughter Alyssa, filed wrongful death claims against Island Express Helicopters, alleging negligence and carelessness on the part of the company.
The crash itself occurred on January 26, when the helicopter collided with hilly terrain amidst foggy conditions. The flight was en route to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California, where passengers were slated to attend a youth basketball game.
The tragic loss also included Payton Chester, 13, and Sarah Chester, 45, further underscoring the profound impact of the incident on multiple families and communities.
