Kobe Bryant's former agent talks about final text messages with basketball player: 'Kobe's last human act was heroic'

Former agent says sports star was still trying to help others in the minutes before he lost his life

Kobe Bryant's former agent has revealed that the basketball player's final text, sent shortly before his death in a helicopter crash, was aimed at securing an internship for the daughter of a friend.

Speaking at a celebration of the the lives of Bryant and his daughter Gianna in Los Angeles, Rob Pelinka said: "His last human act was heroic."

Mr Pelinka, general manager of the LA Lakers, said the player was trying to secure an internship with a baseball agency for the daughter of John Altobelli, one of nine people to die in the 26 January crash that also killed Kobe and Gianna.

He told an audience of the Bryants' friends, family, colleagues and admirers at the Staples Center: "Kobe and I talked or texted every single day because that is what best friends do.

"Kobe vouched for the girl's character, intellect, and work ethic. He clearly wanted to champion a bright future for her.

"A handful of minutes later, Kobe and Gianna and seven other beautiful souls ascended into heaven. Kobe had been texting me from the helicopter."

He added: "Kobe's last human act was heroic."

Mr Pelinka was godfather to Gianna and described the 13-year-old as "a combination of dignity and grace with a sense of humor".

Earlier Bryant's wife Vanessa gave a moving tribute to her late husband and daughter. She said: "He isn’t going to be able to walk our girls down the aisle or spin me around on the dance floor but I want my girls to know the amazing man, husband and father he was."

She described her daughter as an "amazingly sweet and thoughtful soul", adding: "She knew how much her morning and evening kisses meant to me … she was daddy’s girl, but I know she loved her mama. She was one of my very best friends."