LOSS

It’s impossible to go anywhere without hearing about the untimely passing of Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter, Gianna Bryant. They were both killed in a tragic helicopter crash that also took the lives of the 7 other passengers. They were all headed to a tournament at the Mamba Sports Academy. What was supposed to be a day of friendly competition and joy took a turn for the worst. Millions of people are mourning the loss of their basketball hero and his daughter, who was a budding basketball talent in her own right. Kobe meant a lot of different things to people, and his popularity transcended past basketball. He was an inspiration for a generation of youth who took his “Mamba Mentality” to heart. You couldn’t go past a classroom without hearing someone yell “Kobe” as they threw their crumpled paper into the trash.

Almost every NBA game is now paying tribute to him in one way or another, and the investigation into the crash continues to be on the news. Unfortunately death is something that seems to be a constant in the news but when a celebrity or someone famous passes away, the focus on one particular person can be especially triggering. We have written a few posts on the complex emotions surrounding grief and the discomfort it creates for many. Kobe and his daughter both passing away may illicit those feelings of grief for people who have lost their partners and/or children. They can empathize with the pain in a way that many of us can’t because they have personally experienced a similar loss and they may be especially triggered around this time because of the discussion being had around it. That doesn’t mean we do
not talk about it rather it can be helpful to check in with those who have experienced loss personally and ask them how they are doing and coping. Offering support in whatever way that you can and reminding them that you are there for them.

Another group that may need support at this time are victims of sexual assault. The details of what happened regarding the accusations against Kobe are what they are and although he was never convicted, many do view him as being a problematic figure. Now this does not take away from the loss and pain that his family, teammates, and fans are feeling however that does not mean that there won’t be mixed reactions to the news of his death. It may be triggering for victims to see someone who was accused to be mourned and to be put on such a pedestal. Just as you would for those who are mourning, it is important to check in with those individual who may find all the news coverage difficult to watch because they were impacted by sexual assault in some way. Life and people are complex. Things are rarely black and white, and instead of getting upset with each other it can be more beneficial to find ways to be supportive to those who are hurting rather than telling them that their hurt is unjustified.