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The world was shocked Sunday when TMZ broke the news that Kobe Bryant had died in a helicopter crash. So were a lot of people who were close to the NBA legend, because authorities hadn't had a chance to notify his family. So now they've taken TMZ to task.
In a press conference Monday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva admonished the celebrity news agency for its "inappropriate" actions. "It would be extremely disrespectful to understand that your loved one … perished and you learn about it from TMZ," Villanueva told reporters. "That is just wholly inappropriate."
TMZ -- which was also the first to report the deaths of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Prince -- has not responded to Villanueva's comments.
Fans agree with Villanueva's comments as well.
Los Angeles County Undersheriff Tim Murakami said later on Sunday that he was also “saddened that I was gathering facts as a media outlet reported that Kobe had passed.”
“I understand getting the scoop but please allow us time to make personal notifications to their loved ones. It’s very cold to hear of the loss via media,” he tweeted. “Breaks my heart.”
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