Shocked by Kobe Bryant’s death, Fresno artist creating mural of Lakers legend
Fresno muralist Omar “Super” Huerta is set to start on a Kobe Bryant mural this week.
Huerta, a lifelong Los Angeles Lakers fan, is still in shock after the former Lakers legend was tragically killed in a helicopter crash on a Calabasas hillside.
“He’s an icon and I was moved by it,” Huerta said. “It was just hard to believe. ... Something you think wouldn’t happen.”
Huerta has done many murals throughout Fresno, including former Raiders coach Tom Flores, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and WBC/WBO super lightweight world champion Jose Ramirez.
The Bryant mural will be across from the Flores, Carr, and Ramirez mural on North Blackstone Avenue in Fresno.
Huerta said the mural will also include Bryant’s daughter, Gianna, who was also killed in the crash along with seven others.
The mural will show Kobe and Gianna with clouds in the background and the name “Mamba” on top of his Bryant’s numbers from his playing days, Nos. 8 and 24.
He also plans to add names of those who were killed: John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester and Ara Zobayan.
Huerta said he’s already finished at least three Bryant memorial tattoos at his Ink Galleria business at 3860 N. Winery Ave.
He’s inviting the public to come out to the mural site at 7 p.m. Thursday and asks those who want to attend to bring candles.
Huerta plans to complete the mural Sunday.
“Hard to take in,” Huerta said. ‘Just too recent to accept that it actually happened. Having his daughter with him is tragic. Still can’t believe it.”
This story was originally published January 28, 2020 at 5:33 PM.
