Kobe Bryant, five-time NBA champion and legendary shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has died following a horrific helicopter crash. He was 41.
The retired basketball player was onboard a helicopter with a flight manifest of nine people, according to the Los Angeles County Sherriff, when it crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, Calif. on Sunday morning (Jan. 26). Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was among those killed in the crash. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that there were no survivors.
Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in #Calabasas helicopter crash. #LASD #Malibu deputies remain with #LA County Fire personnel. Investigation ongoing.
Avoid the area until further notice.
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) January 26, 2020
TMZ broke the story; reports of Bryant’s passing were confirmed by the Los Angeles Times and a local ABC affiliate shortly thereafter. TMZ is reporting that they confirmed with representatives for Bryant that his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was traveling with him on the helicopter when it crashed and has also died.
An 18-member National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigative team is traveling from D.C. to California to determine the cause of the crash.
Bryant spent his career playing for the Lakers and wrapped his final season with the team in 2016.
This story is developing.