Undoubtedly one of the NBA's legendary players, Kobe Bryant has been killed in a helicopter crash in California.
Kobe Bryant Has Died
Intially breaking the news, and confirmed by TMZ Sports the basketball sensation Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash. This story's still developing, and is considered one of most tragic days in basketball - #RIPMAMBA.
There was initial speculation that 5 people died on board the helicopter. The LA County Sheriff scrutinised TMZ for breaking the Kobe Bryant news before his family was informed.
Updates: What We Know
First responders, and dozens of emergency personnel were on the scene. Although their best of efforts, firefighters struggled to contain the fire containing magnesium; magnesium reacts to oxygen and water. A manifest indicated that 9 people were on the aircraft however, Calabasas Police will not confirm identities until the Coroner achieves an understanding.
Kobe (41) tragically leaves behind 3 daughters, including one that was born last year 2019. His daughter Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant - AKA GiGi - aged 13, was one of the occupants of the helicopter crash for which no one survived in Calabasas.
According to TMZ - "Kobe was travelling with at least 3 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.".
Some worries spread online that the former Laker, and NBA star Rick Fox was on board the plane. This has been concluded as false as his attorney "thankfully" confirmed the news.
Dispatch Crash Audio
TMZ has exclusively obtained 911 dispatch audio pertinent to the crash. If the audio doesn't play, listen to it at the TMZ website.
As to no one's surprise tributes continue to flood in from people all around the world. Athletes, entertainers, and more express their deepest sympathies for all those affected in a tragic time.
Although the news about his 13 year old daughter was unconfirmed initially, there hasn't been any doubts as the representative of the Bryant family confirmed her death along side her team mate, the team mate's mother, and pilot.
Barack Obama has said "Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.".
Learn more about Kobe Bryant, and the eight lives lost in our in-memoriam tribute Legends Never Die.