Basketball legend Kobe Bryant reportedly died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, it has been reported.
The NBA legend enjoyed a glittering 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers during his prime.
Kobe was traveling with at least 4 other people in his private helicopter when it went down. A fire broke out. Emergency personnel responded, but nobody on board survived. 5 people are confirmed dead. We’re told Vanessa Bryant was not among those on board.
The 41-year-old former Los Angeles Lakers basketball star’s death was confirmed by TMZ.
Kobe Bryant has famously used a helicopter to travel for years — dating back to when he played for the Lakers. He was known for commuting from Newport Beach, CA to the STAPLES Center in DTLA in his Sikorsky S-76 chopper.
After being awarded most valuable player in 2008, Bryant added a further two championships to his and the Lakers’ tally, once again winning them consecutively in 2009 and 2010.
His haul of five titles is the joint-highest total in franchise history, and he remains the Lakers’ all-time leading points scorer.
The shooting guard wore numbers eight and 24 during his career, which were both retired by the Lakers in December 2017.
Kobe Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa, and their four daughters — Gianna, Natalia and Bianca and their newborn Capri.
The cause of the crash is under investigation. Although his death is really shocking and our hearts are with his family. This is a great loss.
This is a developing story. We would bring you more updates.