Kylie Jenneris mourning theloss of NBA legendKobe Bryant, his13-year-old daughter Giannaand the seven other victims who died in Sunday’s tragic helicopter crash.
“Rest in peace … and prayers to these families. I still can’t believe this,” theKeeping Up with the Kardashiansstar, 22, wrote Monday on her Instagram Story alongside photos and names of the nine victims.
The Kylie Cosmetics founder also revealed that she had a personal connection with the aircraft’s latepilot, Ara Zobayan.
“That was the helicopter I would fly on from time to time with that pilot, Ara. He was such a nice man. Hold your loved ones close,” she wrote, adding a white heart emoji.
Kylie Jenner’s Instagram Story.
Jenner also posted a smiling photo of the late Lakers legend and Gianna to Instagram on Sunday, writing, “at loss for words right now. praying for this beautiful family.”
Villanueva confirmed a total of nine victims.The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed the aircraft was a Sikorsky S-76.
Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna.Paul Bereswill/Getty
A source told PEOPLE that Zobayan was “extremely experienced” as a pilot.
“He had a lot of respect for flying and would never take risks. He knew the valley very well. The area where they crashed was not a new area for him. He was very familiar with that area,” the source said. “It’s just such a shock. There are no words to express how much Ara will be missed and how sad everyone is about the passengers that died. It’s just such a painful tragedy. So many families affected and so much pain.”
In addition to being a flight instructor, Zobayan had 20 years of experience flying in Southern California, according toTheNew York Times.
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Girls basketball coachChristina Mauser, of Harbor Day School in Orange County, was also one of the nine aboard the private helicopter. John Altobelli, the head baseball coach at Orange Coast College, too was on board the aircraft — alongside his wife Keri Altobelli and their daughter, Alyssa Altobelli, the school confirmed in astatementon their website.
Jenner’s sistersKim Kardashian West,Kourtney KardashianandKhloé Kardashianalso honored Bryant and his daughter on social media. The reality stars were family friends with the Bryants, and Kourtney and Khloélive in Calabasas, the neighborhood where the helicopter crashed. Plus, Khloé’s ex-husbandLamar Odomwas Bryant’s longtime friend and teammate.
“I’m still waiting for the media to come out and say wrong report,” Odom, 40,wrote in a lengthy Instagram tribute. “No way God took my brother this early.”
source: people.com
