The chopper climbed, banked and then dove into the ground at high speed. That needs to be explained. Perhaps the pilot had a seizure. Since I have never been in a helicopter I am not sure how it is controlled, but the body of a man falling on them could certainly cause a dive.

who would be in the left seat, if there was another pilot.........................

In an interview with ET's Lauren Zima on Monday, Deetz reacted to Bryant's shocking death and offered insight into the devastating crash. According to Deetz, while the helicopter had room for a co-pilot -- "It was configured for eight in the back, and then two up front [for the] pilot and co-pilot," he said -- having that additional crew member on board would not have prevented the tragedy.

"They're a single program. There's no need for two pilots. It wouldn't have made a difference," Deetz said, clarifying that in the case of Bryant's helicopter, the presence of a co-pilot was more in case something happened to the pilot, rendering him or her unable to fly.
https://www.ksat.com/entertainment/2020/01/27/kobe-bryants-former-helicopter-pilot-speaks-out-following-crash-exclusive/

appears from all indications that the charter service which is legal to omit the second in command in helicopter, I disagree with that policy..................... check out this information check out how they get away with this single pilot operation

http://fsims.faa.gov/wdocs/notices/n8900_217.htm

Check out:

a. Type Rating Limitations. By properly addressing training and pilot certification requirements for single-pilot operations, a type rating can be issued without a SIC limitation.
b. Training and Certification. Single-pilot operations are often seat specific as identified in the helicopter’s TC, Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM), or RFM Supplement. The requirements for single-pilot training and certification may require a type rating applicant to switch seats during training and certification events to ensure the requirements of § 61.43 are met.

So much so that police and emergency helicopters were grounded until Sunday afternoon because basic visibility standards were not met. Somebody made the decision to fly anyway. So darned unfortunate.

They do realize we’re talking about an aircraft that costs at least $12 million, depending on how you get it equipped? An annual inspection on one of these things is $30,000, if there’s nothing wrong with it. It probably costs more than $25,000 to get the oil changed.

The point of this little tirade is, when you’re at the price point the S-76 is in, $40,000 is not a major expense.