One of the greatest sports icons the world has ever seen is dead today at the age of 41.
NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant was killed in a Sunday morning helicopter crash in California. The crash was first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by multiple news sources.
Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
Can confirm legend Kobe Bryant has been tragically killed in an helicopter accident, sources told Yahoo Sports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 26, 2020
Bryant’s private helicopter went down in the hills near Calabasas, CA Sunday morning. Nine people were reportedly aboard the aircraft.
This is a developing story, but there are reports that one of Bryant’s daughters, 13-year-old Gianna, was also on board and did not survive.
BREAKING: Sheriff says records show nine people were killed when helicopter crashed in California. Sources tell @AP that Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter were among the victims.
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 26, 2020
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 and his wife Vanessa have four daughters—Natalia, 17, Gianna, 13, Bianka, 3, and Capri, 7 months.
Reactions to the tragic news are pouring in across social media, most expressing their stunned disbelief of the loss over such a great athlete and man.
Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020
Janet and I have no words to describe our shock and sadness on the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant today. Praying for him and his family. 🙏
— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) January 26, 2020
Kobe’s most important legacy will always be being a father to four daughters he loved. pic.twitter.com/PCd3VdHmos
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 26, 2020
I'm in tears over Kobe and the Bryant family. He brought so much joy and happiness and made everyone in #LosAngeles proud during his career. I'm mourning with the entire #LakerNation #RIPKobe
— Rebecca Grant (@rebeccagrants) January 26, 2020
Kobe wasn’t an athlete…
He was a mentality. A culture. Legend. #KobeForever pic.twitter.com/3nNKA57dCF
— CoreySA (@CoreySA) January 26, 2020
Bryant spent 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the team to five NBA championships and solidifying his place in sports history as one of the greatest to have ever played.
A crowd quickly began forming outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles to mourn the superstar on Sunday afternoon.
I can’t even believe this is real… right now outside Staples. 💔 pic.twitter.com/yuunIbG2Ms
— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) January 26, 2020
The crash remains under investigation.