Kobe Bryant’s Father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant Dead at 69
The former NBA player and coach had a massive stroke days before his passing
The Bryant family is in mourning once again.
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of legendary Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant, has died from complications due to a massive stroke suffered just days before his passing. Bryant’s death comes a little over four years after his Hall-of-Fame son and his granddaughter perished in a helicopter accident in Calabasas, California.

Kobe and Gianna Bryant, along with seven other people, died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020. Their deaths from an aviation accident underscore the importance of legal support in navigating such challenging situations. From transportation accidents to unforeseen events, personal injury cases can have lasting repercussions on individuals and their families.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from an aviation accident, call us today at (800) 310-1606! We’ve represented clients suffering from all different types of airplane and helicopter accident injuries at Adamson Ahdoot. Our bilingual staff will help you schedule a free consultation so you can get the help you need to focus on your recovery.
The First Bryant Basketball Star
“Jellybean” Bryant, himself a prominent figure in the basketball world, succumbed on Monday, July 15, 2024. However, he left a profound impact on the sports community. Known not only for being Kobe’s dad but also for his achievements in basketball, Bryant’s legacy traverses the realms of both playing and coaching.

His basketball career encompassed notable stints, from his time at Bartram High School, which led to Bryant’s impactful presence at La Salle University, where he showcased exceptional prowess as a 6-foot-9 forward. La Salle, where Bryant also coached, said in a statement that Bryant “was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.”
His success as a player at La Salle propelled him to the National Basketball Association, where he made his mark with the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets, amassing an impressive career record. He was a member of the 1976-77 Sixers team that lost to the Trail Blazers in the NBA Finals. Bryant also had a fruitful career in Europe, playing for three Italian teams and one in France.
In addition to his endeavors as a player, Bryant’s contributions extended to coaching. His expertise in leading various teams in the WNBA and across multiple professional and college leagues leaves an indelible impression on the sport at large.
Bryant earned his memorable nickname — “Jellybean,” for his fondness of the candy. The nickname not only reflected his on-court prowress, but also endeared him to fans. The “jellybean” moniker echoed a distinct era in basketball history.
Outpouring of Support
Bryant’s death has evoked an outpouring of condolences and remembrances from the basketball community and others.
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant was a local basketball icon. His legacy on the court transcended his journey across Bartram High School, La Salle University, and his first four NBA seasons with the 76ers from 1975-79,” the Sixers said in a statement. “Our condolences go out to the Bryant family.”
Doug Young, who was coached by Joe and is a former high school teammate of Kobe, expressed his thoughts.
“Joe was our JV coach at Lower Merion and I could not have asked for a more positive mentor, teacher, and role model,” Young said. “It’s difficult to overstate how much he influenced me and my teammates. He made basketball fun and made us all want to be better – he believed in us. I’ll never forget his infectious smile, his bear hugs, and the incredible bond he shared with Kobe. Growing up in Lower Merion, there was no family we loved and admired more than the Bryants – and that started with Joe.”
His daughter-in-law Vanessa Bryant, wife of the late Kobe Bryant, also shared her heartfelt sentiments on Instagram.
“Sending our condolences upon hearing the news of my father-in-law’s passing… Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around. Kobe loved him very much. Our prayers go out to the family.”

Vanessa Bryant already lost her husband and daughter in a fatal helicopter accident. Now she must mourn her father-in-law as well.
Get Help Today!
Starting a personal injury claim for any reason can be challenging. Rest assured, the experienced attorneys at AA Law will guide you through each stage, from consultation to settlement, ensuring you secure the compensation you deserve. We handle cases from simple slip-and-fall accidents to complex aviation accidents.
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