Kobe Bryant’s Helicopter Was Once Owned By State Of Illinois

As more and more information comes out regarding the tragic death of former NBA star Kobe Bryant, we find there's an Illinois tie-in.

The helicopter that Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna, and seven other people were aboard before the fatal crash was apparently purchased from the State of Illinois.

People:

Bryant’s helicopter, a Sikorsky S-76B, was used by the state of Illinois between 2007 to 2015, according to helicopter information database Helis.

It was sold for just over $500,000 in 2015 in an online auction, and  was said to have a "good safety record."

People also reports the helicopter that crashed on Sunday was the same one Bryant rode to play in his final NBA game in 2016.

Sweet Lenny is the brand manager of 97ZOK, Q98.5, and Operations Manager for Townsquare Media Rockford. Catch him afternoons 3 to 7 on 97ZOK. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram and like his page on Facebook.