Kobe Bryant death: Eight deputies took photos of crash scene, says LA sheriff

The sheriff feels betrayed by the actions of his deputies and confirms the pictures have been deleted

(AFP via Getty Images)

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Vilanueva has revealed that eight of his deputies were involved in sharing photographs from the scene of Kobe Bryant's helicopter crash last month.

The officers involved are under investigation and Mr Vilanueva confirmed to Fox 11 Los Angeles that the photos have been deleted.

He also said he was horrified by the actions of his team that included five full-time and three reservist deputies.

"I just felt betrayed by my own deputies 'cause it's such a hard thing to do as a first responder, go to a scene of such a horrific accident, talking to the families, three families that were there at the Lost Hills station, personally, and their concerns about privacy, and how we could make the day better for them if any way possible. And to have this happen, It was heartbreaking." He told Fox 11 Los Angeles.

After The Los Angeles Times reported that deputies had shared photos last week Mr Vilanueva launched the investigation that led to the photos being deleted.

Mr Vilanueva told CBS L.A that he was devastated when he found out about the actions of his deputies.

“These families of the victims have suffered enough already", he said. “To have any action of our deputies compile their suffering, that breaks my heart. It’s a sense of betrayal because these are my own employees.”

Mr Bryant's late wife, Vanessa Bryant called for an investigation last week, releasing a statement written by her lawyer Gary Robb shortly after news broke that deputies had taken pictures on the scene.

“This is an unspeakable violation of human decency, respect, and of the privacy rights of the victims and their families,” the statement read.

“We are demanding that those responsible for these alleged actions face the harshest possible discipline, and that their identities be brought to light, to ensure that the photos are not further disseminated. We are requesting an Internal Affairs investigation of these alleged incidents.”