NBA legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday. News of this tragedy was first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s office. TMZ has also confirmed that Bryant’s daughter Gianna was on board with her father as they were headed to a travel basketball game and another player and parent were also killed in the accident.
BREAKING: Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas Sunday morning. Kobe was traveling with at least 3 other people in his private helicopter when it went down. Emergency personnel responded, but nobody on board survived. https://t.co/izOj2abWiz pic.twitter.com/pGCRkCFIZD
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 26, 2020
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of a helicopter that crashed into the hillsides and caught fire upon impact at right before 10 a.m. PST. The cause of the accident is not known at this time and is under investigation.
Bryant, 41 is one of the all-time greats and will be remembered not only for his many basketball accolades but also for his many achievements off the basketball court as well. Kobe was known for being an icon in the NBA and many of the other NBA greats have credited him with being their inspiration to play basketball.
Gianni “Gigi” Maria-Onore Bryant followed in her father’s footsteps and also had a passion and talent for the sport. She was coached by her dad at the Mamba Sports Academy, which is reportedly where they were headed when the tragic accident occurred. Bryant and his daughter were often seen on the sidelines of professional games as they enjoyed the sport together. Gianni was only 13 years old.
Kobe Bryant will always be a legend, iconic basketball player, father, husband, author, film producer, and role model. His absence will be felt across all of the sporting genres and across the world as a remarkable man who was taken too soon.
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