US basketball legend Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California, along with his daughter Gianna and 7 others.
BREAKING: Video from the scene of the helicopter crash which killed Kobe Bryant. Reports that 3 other people died in the crash.#kobebryant
— Global News Network (@GlobalNews77) January 26, 2020
pic.twitter.com/IcZVk6hdlH
41 year old Bryant was travelling in a private helicopter when it crashed and burst into flames.
The LA County Sheriff believe there were nine people on board: the pilot and eight passengers.
The scene of the helicopter crash.[Photo:LA County Sheriff's Department]
The five-time NBA champion was widely considered one of the greatest players in the game's history.
#Update Downed aircraft is a helicopter. Flames extinguished. #Malibu deputies at crash site looking for survivors, 4200 blk Las Virgenes Rd #Calabasas #LASD pic.twitter.com/eixLhGhLyE
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) January 26, 2020
Tributes from celebrities and fellow sports stars have been pouring in, many expressing shock at his sudden death.
Eyewitnesses also told TMZ that they heard the helicopter's engine sputtering before it went down. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, per @TMZ 🙏 pic.twitter.com/90IgeHpHPR
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) January 26, 2020
Kobe has famously used a helicopter to travel for years -- dating back to when he played for the Lakers.
Kobe is widely considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time -- making 18 All-Star teams during his 20 year career with the Lakers. He was a first-round pick in the 1996 draft, winning 5 NBA championships, 2 NBA Finals MVPs and he was the league MVP in '08.
Every Kobe Bryant game-winner in 2 min.
— Jack Duffy (@JackDuffyTPL) January 26, 2020
RIP to a legend. Prayers to his family💜💛#RIPMamba #824 pic.twitter.com/tN8wR6Hy6G
The Lakers famously retired both of Kobe's jerseys, number 8 and 24 ... the only player in team history to receive that honor.
Kobe's accomplishments stand far outside of the basketball world. He won an Oscar for his short film, "Dear Basketball," in 2018.
[Source:BBC]
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