Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department allegedly shared graphic images of the January 26 helicopter crash that claimed nine lives, including Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant. The sheriff’s department told the Los Angeles Times the “matter is being looked into.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, cell phone images were allegedly shared within the department as well as in public. 

It is unclear how widely the photos were spread and who exactly was involved. It is also uncertain whether the deputies took the photos themselves at the scene or if the images were sent to them. 

A source told the LA Times that two days after the crash, first responders were discussing the sharing of the images. He also saw a photo on the phone of an official while in a setting that had no connection to the crash. Capt. Jorge Valdez said he was “unaware of any complaint” that the photos were inappropriately shared. 

Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in an interview Wednesday at the Hall of Justice that he would not discuss the allegations in relation to the helicopter crash. 

Deputies within the sheriff's department aren't the only ones being accused of inappropriate conduct surrounding the fatal crash. TMZ has also come under fire for reporting on the deaths prior to officials being able to give confirmation of the victims' deaths to their families. 

Additionally, on Monday, Vanessa Bryant filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Island Express Helicopters, the company which operated the helicopter the nine victims had been flying in, as Blavity previously reported. The 72-page suit asserts the helicopter should not have been permitted to operate in the foggy conditions on that day. Pilot Ara Zobayan, who also perished in the crash, is being accused of "negligent and careless piloting."

The complaint also adds Zobayan "failed to properly monitor and assess the weather prior to takeoff, failed to obtain proper weather data prior to the flight, failed to abort the flight when he knew of the cloudy condition, failed to maintain control of the helicopter and failed to avoid 'natural obstacles' in the flight path."

The suit was reported on the day of the moving memorial service held at the Staples Center where Michael Jordan, Shaquille O' Neal and Vanessa Bryant all gave poignant tributes to Kobe and Gianna.