L.A. County sheriff orders investigation into leaked photos of Kobe’s crash

The same day of the fatal helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others, Vanessa Bryant requested a “no-fly zone” over the wreckage. Her request, made directly to the L.A. County Sheriff’s office, was to ban photographers from taking pictures of the crash site. The reason, said her attorney Gary Robb, was “to protect the dignity of all the victims, and their families.”

Sheriff Alex Villaneuva assured Robb and Vanessa that he would take measures to ensure that the families’ privacy was protected, and he worked hard to make this happen. But just three days after the crash, a deputy trainee was reported for showing graphic pictures of the crash site to patrons of a bar after eight deputies were involved in taking photos and inappropriately sharing them. Villaneuva discovered this only after the bartender filed a complaint with the Sheriff’s office.

The Sheriff has now tasked his chief oversight official to oversee the investigation of the leaked photos. Villaneuva has also asked that the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission review law enforcement policies to help prevent any future breaches of conduct. Although Villaneuva said it was not illegal for officers to take photos, it’s still a violation of department policy.