Legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash.
According to TMZ, Kobe, 41, was travelling with “at least 3 other people” in his private helicopter when it went down in Calabasas and a fire broke out.
5 people have been confirmed dead, TMZ reports, and Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, was not on board.
Kobe played for the Los Angeles Lakes for 20 years, winning NBA championships, 2 NBA Finals MVPs, and becoming the league MVP in 2008.
He recently won an Oscar for his short film, “Dear Basketball.”
He and wife, Vanessa, had their fourth child in 2019.
According to the Daily Mail, the cause of the crash is under investigation.
It has now been confirmed that a total of 9 people was killed in the accident.
In a new update, it was confirmed that his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Bryant, was among the victims of the crash.
According to TMZ, the pair was traveling to the Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks, California, for a basketball practice when the crash occurred. They were among nine people confirmed dead in the accident, including another player and parent. Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, is not thought to be among them.
Photo Credit: @kobebryant
Basketball icon Kobe Bryant died on Sunday in a helicopter crash, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Here's what happened:
- Fatal crash: Bryant and his daughter were among 9 people in the helicopter who died when it crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California. Bryant and Gianna had been expected at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks for a basketball game.
- The other victims: Officials have not identified the victims, but some victims' loved ones are coming forward. Tony Altobelli told CNN his brother, Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, John's daughter Alyssa and wife Keri were killed in the crash. Christina Mauser, an assistant girls basketball coach at Harbor Day School, was also killed, her husband said.
- Bad flying weather: There was extremely low visibility at the time of the crash, with foggy, cloudy conditions. LA Police grounded its helicopters Sunday morning, and a police spokesperson said the weather conditions did not meet the minimum standards for flying.
- Ongoing investigation: The Federal Aviation Authority, National Transportation Safety Board, and FBI are investigating the crash.
- The world mourns: Bryant's death sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes around the world -- everyone from current and former NBA players, to fans worldwide and even former President Barack Obama.