Bryant, 41, was one of the nine victims of the accident, including the couple’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
The statement, published by attorney Gary C. Robb and posted on Vanessa Bryant’s Instagram account, said that Bryant went to the sheriff’s office the day of the accident to request that the area be closed to. plane and that the accident site is protected from photographers.
“This was of crucial importance to her because she wanted to protect the dignity of all the victims and their families,” said the statement. “At that time, Sheriff Alex Villanueva assured us that all measures would be put in place to protect the privacy of families, and we believe he has worked hard to honor these requests.”
On the day of the accident, Villanueva told reporters that his office had set up a perimeter around the accident site and was patrolling the area on horseback. But according to the LA Times, the photos were viewed on smartphones and shown to others, although it is unclear whether the images were taken by a first responder or someone else. “The first responders should be trusted. It is inexcusable and deplorable that some members of the Sheriff’s office in Lost Hills, other neighboring posts and LACOFD would have failed in their obligations,” the statement said. “It is an unspeakable violation of human decency, respect and the privacy rights of victims and their families. We demand that those responsible for these alleged acts be subjected to the strictest discipline possible and that their identity be disclosed, to ensure that the photos are not disseminated. We request an investigation by Home Affairs into these alleged incidents. ” The sheriff’s department “was looking into the situation,” deputy spokesperson Grace Medrano said Friday. “Ms. Bryant is grateful to the person who filed an online complaint denouncing these acts of injustice and for the choice to protect human dignity,” the statement said. In addition to Kobe and Gianna Bryant, the other seven victims were: Payton Chester, 13; Sarah Chester, 45; Alyssa Altobelli, 14; Keri Altobelli, 46 years old; John Altobelli, 56; Christina Mauser, 38; and pilot, Ara Zobayan, 50 years old. Contributor: Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY