Saskatoon counsellor explains public grief at Kobe Bryant’s death

Many have shown their grief over the passing of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, even those who never had the chance to meet him.

Garry Prediger, a counsellor with Penney Murphy & Associates, told Gormley guest host Drew Remenda it’s normal to get upset at the news.

“All of us develop very unique and powerful connections with celebrities, with star athletes, media (or) royalty,” Prediger said.

“We could see ourselves go through a very typical kind of grief response even though we may not have had an intimate or immediate relationship with them.”

Even though our idols are different for everyone, he believes it’s an important aspect of our lives.

“These vicarious relationships bring us a sense of purpose or belonging and help define us,” Prediger said.

As with death in general, nobody will have the same reaction.

“A lot of it will depend on your own history with grief and loss, your level of connection to that individual, your own personality,” he said.

Nine people were killed in the helicopter crash that claimed Bryant’s life on Sunday.