No, former NBA player Rick Fox was not on board with Kobe Bryant

News that legendary basketball star Kobe Bryant died Sunday in a helicopter crash shook the basketball community, the country and the world.

But in the wake of tragedy, misinformation about the identity of the victims who lost their lives in the crash has also spread online.

Viral posts, like this one, falsely claim that Rick Fox, a former NBA player and teammate of Bryant’s, was also on board the helicopter and died in the crash.

The post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.)

Fox was not among those killed in the crash. His stepdaughter, Jillian Hervey, confirmed that he wasn’t on board.

Jared Greenberg, a reporter for NBATV, also tweeted that he spoke to Fox himself who confirmed he was not involved.

So far, seven of the nine people killed in the crash have been identified. The group was headed to a girls’ basketball game which Bryant was scheduled to coach. Victims include an assistant coach, parents and players from the club team, including Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna; and the pilot of the helicopter. 

This claim is False. 

By

Samantha Putterman

Staff Writer

January 27, 2020

Truth-o-meter Ruling

False

IF YOUR TIME IS SHORT

• Misinformation about the identities of the victims of the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash has spread online.
• Despite early reports that said he was involved, former NBA player Rick Fox wasn't among those killed in the crash.
• His stepdaughter confirmed that he wasn't on board.

Statement

Says former NBA player Rick Fox was also on board with Kobe Bryant

Context

a Facebook post

Speaker/Target

Speaker: Facebook posts

Statement Date

January 26, 2020