The Bryants would have celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary this April. They had four daughters including Gianna, the 13-year-old who died in the crash.

Ara Zobayan's decision to proceed in deteriorating visibility has experts and fellow pilots wondering if he flew beyond the boundaries of good judgment and whether pressure to get his superstar client where he wanted to go played a role in the crash.

It is a fitting tribute, perhaps too fitting, for one of the best NBA players of his generation. The Los Angeles Lakers have announced they will retire Kobe Bryant's jersey.