Kobe Bryant dies in helicopter crash, multiple outlets confirm

Kobe Bryant, one of basketball’s all-time greats, has died, according to multiple reports that have now been confirmed. The former Lakers star was reportedly riding with three passengers in his private helicopter near Calabasas, California when it crashed and a fire broke out. Emergency personnel responded, but no one on board survived. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

TMZ first reported the breaking news. Their developing story can be found here. Since then, ESPN’s NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, among others, have confirmed the news.

Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020

#BreakingNews
This is not a joke-Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas
Our ABC7 Desk has confirmed
#abc7eyewitness

— Curt Sandoval (@abc7curt) January 26, 2020

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

When the news initially broke, shockwaves and heartache quickly spread throughout the world. The topic is trending on Twitter.

Dag tomorrow really not promised to nobody….

— Immanuel Jaylen Quickley (@IQ_GodSon) January 26, 2020

This can’t be real 😥

— Keion Brooks Jr. (@KeionB_12) January 26, 2020

Not Kobe man.. please don’t be true

— Kash Daniel (@KashDaniel15) January 26, 2020

Every team has to retire 24

— Tyler Herro (@raf_tyler) January 26, 2020

My favorite player ever… 😔

— Nate Sestina (@NateSestina23) January 26, 2020

R.I.P Legend 😔

Prayers up 🙏 💔 pic.twitter.com/oUAgvA1DXp

— Enes FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) January 26, 2020

https://twitter.com/Maci4Mo/status/1221521320019623947

Kobe made 18 All-Star teams during his lengthy career with the Lakers. He was a first-round pick in the 1996 draft, won five NBA championships, earned two NBA Finals MVPs and was named the league MVP in 2008. Both of his jersey numbers – No. 8 and No. 24 – have been retired in the Lakers’ Staples Center.Current Laker LeBron James passed Bryant for the No. 3 spot on the NBA all-time scoring list just last night. Kobe wished LeBron well on Twitter after the game:

https://twitter.com/kobebryant/status/1221276426164269056

TMZ is reporting Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, was not onboard the helicopter. The couple has four daughters: Gianna, Natalia and Bianca and their newborn, Capri, who was born last June. The NBA has cancelled some of the remaining games Sunday afternoon and evening.

He was 41 years old. Rest in Peace.

**UPDATE**

ESPN’s Wojnarowski is now reporting Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gigi was also killed in the crash.

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

Heartbreaking.