Kobe and Gianna Bryant Tribute Mural

Tyke Witnes, 2020

After the shocking death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash one year ago, Orange County artist Tyke Witnes immediately turned his grief into art, devoting 24 hours to painting a mural in Costa Mesa dedicated to Kobe, Gianna and the seven other lives lost onboard the helicopter.

With the help of some friends, Witnes was able to honor his longtime inspiration and create a vast tribute for nearby fans to visit. The mural includes father Kobe and daughter Gianna at the center, both painted with halos over their heads. In the background is the name “KOBE” in bold, a name that will never be forgotten. The artist incorporated Gianna’s nickname “Gigi” as part of the “K” in “Kobe.”

Witnes made sure to honor all victims of the crash on January 26, 2020. One side reads: In memory of John, Keri, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah and Peyton Chester, Christina Mauser and pilot of the helicopter, Ara Zobayan. Following the one-year anniversary of the crash, the mural remains a place of mourning, remembrance and honor. Burning candles and fresh flowers lined the bottom of the wall during a recent visit.

The mural is located accross the street from El Toro Bravo Carniceria in Costa Mesa. It is dedicated to Kobe’s wife Vanessa and daughters Natalia and Bianka.