No one wants to learn that their loved one was killed in a crash while watching or reading the news. Authorities do their best to keep information under wraps when tragedies occur in order to make sure they've correctly identified the victims involved and to give them time to notify family members before anyone else. However, in this day and age where outlets want to be the first to break a story, unspoken rules of ethics aren't abided by.
When TMZ reported the stunning news that Kobe Bryant had died in an accident, many people thought that the celebrity-gossip outlet was mistaken. According to CNN, it had only been an hour since police were even notified of a downed aircraft, so while they were still assessing the scene and trying to identify the passengers of the helicopter, the story was shared on TMZ's website and social media accounts.
It immediately spread like wildfire, but investigators were less than thrilled with the news break. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference where he criticized the outlet. "It would be extremely disrespectful to understand that your loved one... perished and you learn about it from TMZ," Villanueva stated. "That is just wholly inappropriate."
Los Angeles County Undersheriff Tim Murakami expressed his disapproval in a tweet. "I am saddened that I was gathering facts as a media outlet reported the Kobe had passed," Murakami wrote. "I understand getting the scoop but please allow us time to make personal notifications to their loved ones. It’s very cold to hear of the loss media Breaks my heart."
TMZ is well-known for its breaking stories, especially those about celebrity deaths. They were the first to report on the tragic deaths of Michael Jackson, Prince, and Whitney Houston.
Drake, Dwyane Wade, Dababy & More Mourn Tragic Death Of Kobe Bryant
The world reacts to the tragic news of Kobe's passing.
NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Maria Onore were killed in a helicopter crash Sunday morning, as reported by TMZ. Fans, former players, celebrities and more have taken to social media to express their sympathy and reflect on the impact Kobe Bryant had on their lives and the game of basketball.
Kobe was an 18-time all-star, 5-time NBA champion and 2-time finals MVP during his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe ended his career in 2016 as one of the most revered and respected sports figures of all time. His tireless commitment to the game inspired countless kids to pick up a basketball.
"Man I don’t even know where to start?? I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 Finals. I had never watched ball before that and that Finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!! RIP LEGEND," writes Joel Embiid.
Tyson Chandler was left visibly heartbroken during Sunday's game against the Nuggets.
