Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

With all the lunacy going on in Washington the last week with the impeachment trial of President Trump, we were reminded last weekend of what is important.

Nine people, including Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter, died in a helicopter crash outside of Los Angeles.

Not being much of a basketball fan, I found out about it during the NFL Pro Bowl.

The game was almost secondary in thought as news kept coming in.

My thought has been mostly toward Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, an his remaining children.

There was also a mother, father and daughter on that helicopter, leaving two other children without their parents and sister.

They were headed to a girl’s basketball game that I heard in one story that Kobe was going to coach and his daughter was playing in.

The helicopter was flying in foggy conditions that I guess even grounded police helicopters.

Kobe had won five NBA titles and two Olympic gold medals.

He played his entire career for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The team retired his numbers.

Yes numbers. That isn’t a typo.

Both his jersey numbers 8 and 24 were retired.

The players at the Pro Bowl gave tributes to Kobe throughout the game.

Jim has been a contributor to the Telegram for over the last five years. You can contact Jim at [email protected].