TMZ has reported that basketball legend Kobe Bryant has been killed in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday (Jan. 26). Bryant was 41.
According to the report, the former Laker was traveling in his private helicopter in foggy flying conditions when a fire broke out and it went down in Calabasas. There are no survivors, and nine people are confirmed dead.
TMZ confirmed that Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna (also known as Gigi) also died in the crash. They were reportedly on their way to the Mamba Academy for a basketball practice in Thousand Oaks. ESPN reports that the other two passengers onboard were another parent and player.
Sources: Kobe Bryant was on his way to a travel basketball game with his daughter Gianna when the helicopter crashed. Those aboard the helicopter also included another player and parent.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
Bryant’s wife Vanessa was reportedly not among those onboard the aircraft. The couple’s youngest daughter, Capri, was just born in June of last year. The crash comes just one day after Bryant was passed by LeBron James for third place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, and Bryant tweeted his congratulations to James on Saturday night.
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
The five-time NBA champion joined the league straight out of high school, spending the entirety of his 20-year career with the Lakers from 1996 to 2016. He was an 18-time All-Star and the first guard in NBA history to play at least 20 seasons. In addition to ranking fourth on the all-time scoring list, he ranks fourth on the all-time postseason scoring list.
Tributes to Bryant have begun to pour in on social media from athletes and celebrities.
I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 26, 2020
Devastated to hear the news on my friend @kobebryant passing. Prayers go out to his wife Vanessa and his children and the @Lakers family. pic.twitter.com/Oki9GkYEu5
— Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) January 26, 2020
Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 26, 2020
Man I don’t even know where to start😭😭 I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!
RIP LEGEND
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 26, 2020
I hope this isn’t true man!!! Not Kobe
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) January 26, 2020
Still can’t believe @kobebryant 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/swscrtnFAx
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) January 26, 2020
I'm so sad and stunned right now. In Staples Arena, where Kobe created so many memories for all of us, preparing to pay tribute to another brilliant man we lost too soon, Nipsey Hussle. Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes. Hold on to your loved ones. We miss you, Kobe
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 26, 2020
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant was a giant who inspired, amazed, and thrilled people everywhere with his incomparable skill on the court — and awed us with his intellect and humility as a father, husband, creative genius, and ambassador for the game he loved. pic.twitter.com/hkb0lbRwie
— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) January 26, 2020
I mean I just saw my guy Kobe with the fam in LA at a volleyball game…can’t believe it
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 26, 2020
Dammit. Kobe. I am praying for your family. Thank you for the brilliance you brought to not only the game, but to the world. Renaissance Man- Forever. pic.twitter.com/vOUahC3h89
— Lance Allred (@lanceallred41) January 26, 2020
This is a developing story; stay tuned for more information as we get it.
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