Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa's decision to not fly in a helicopter together was 'not fear based' according to reports in US media.

The 41-year-old NBA icon had come to a pact with his wife that they would "never fly on a

helicopter together."

Following the tragic crash in Calabasas, California which killed Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna along with seven others, there have been questions as to whether there was 'a fear' there was a problem, which meant Kobe and Vanessa kept themselves apart.

A source has dismissed this, telling People that the couple "always considered what was best” for their daughters.

They went on to say that Kobe and Vanessa's choices were not "because you are concerned something will happen, it’s just a precaution.”

The source added: "The decision to not fly together was not fear-based. It was a decision that they made because they felt it was the best for their family.

"As very family-focused parents, they always considered what was best for the children.

"This is why Kobe started flying in the first place. He wanted to make sure he could work and be the best dad possible."

Kobe had started using helicopters after being stuck in Los Angeles traffic which led him to miss a school play.

The father-of-four told Alex Rodruguez in 2018 that after the frustrations with the traffic, he “had to figure out a way where I could still train and focus on the craft but still not compromise family time.”

Kobe continued: “I was sitting in traffic and I wound up missing like a school play. So that’s when I looked into helicopters, to be able to get down and back in 15 minutes and that’s when it started."

A friend close to the Bryant family told People previously: “He was a very hands-on dad and, like any other father, saw such bright futures for all of his daughters.

"He was so proud to see them take after not only him and Vanessa, but also grow into their own.

"He had a special bond with each of his daughters.”