A settlement has been struck in the case of Kobe Bryant’s helicopter crash

The families of Kobe Bryant and others who died in a 2020 helicopter crash reached a deal Tuesday in a lawsuit targeting the late pilot’s estate and the firm that owned and operated the chopper.

Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, was among those suing the estate of pilot Ara Zobayan as well as Island Express Helicopters filed a notice in court that read, “Plaintiffs and Defendants jointly report that they have agreed to settle their claims in the above-entitled action,” multiple media outlets reported.

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The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The proposed deal must still be approved by the court. Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, and Zobayan were among the nine persons killed in the crash outside Calabasas, Calif., on Jan. 26, 2020. They were all on their way to a youth basketball competition in Ventura County, California.

The National Transportation Safety Board released a report earlier this year that blamed the crash on pilot error and faulted Island Express Helicopters for safety violations.
The ruling was challenged by Island Express Helicopters, which called the incident “an act of God.” In addition, two air traffic controllers have been sued by the corporation.