Kobe & Vanessa Bryant's Helicopter Agreement Was 'Not Fear-Based'

A source is speaking out about the reason Kobe and Vanessa Bryant would never fly in helicopters at the same time.

“It’s not necessarily because you are concerned something will happen, it’s just a precaution,” a source told People about their decision to never fly in a helicopter at the same time. “A lot of couples with children make plans that are in the best interest of their children. It was the same for Kobe and Vanessa.”

The source added, “The decision to not fly together was not fear-based. It was a decision that they made because they felt it was the best for their family. As very family-focused parents, they always considered what was best for the children. This is why Kobe started flying in the first place. He wanted to make sure he could work and be the best dad possible.”

The helicopter crash took the lives of Kobe and 13-year-old Gianna Bryant, as well as John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, and their 13-year-old child Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester and her child Payton Chester, Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan.

Kobe and Vanessa also shared Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and 7-month-old Capri.

Here are the latest details about the helicopter crash that killed those nine lives.