Merced artist featured in Vanessa Bryant's book honoring Kobe and Gigi

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- This January marks six years since NBA fable Kobe Bryant died successful a chopper clang on with his 13-year-old daughter, Gigi, and six different people.

His wife, Vanessa, precocious released a publication successful their grant titled "Mamba and Mambacita Forever."

The publication features photos, images and the stories down much than 100 nationalist murals from Los Angeles and astir the satellite dedicated to the Lakers subordinate and his daughter.

One of those murals is from an creator successful Merced.

In 2021, a twelvemonth aft Kobe died, Christian Aguilar answered a telephone by the Merced Arts and Culture Advisory to assistance beautify its downtown.

At the time, Action News interviewed him astir the painting of his puerility idol.

You tin spot his mural of Kobe connected an electrical container astatine M and Main Street successful Merced.

Vanessa Bryant besides took announcement of his work.

The portion is featured successful her latest book.

"Kobe was my idol," Aguilar says, "You know, I went to 1 of his games and 1 clip helium said 'what's up' to me."

Aguilar says it each started erstwhile Vanessa Bryant saw his mural successful a station connected Instagram.

As a die-hard Kobe fan, helium says helium inactive can't judge helium got this opportunity.