PA ImagesBasketball legend Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash aged just 41.
Bryant was travelling with three other people in his private helicopter when it is said to have crashed in Calabasas, California today (26th January).
Emergency personnel responded but nobody is believed to have survived as it had burst into flame.
It has been said his wife Vanessa was not on board.
Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) 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
The crash occurred shortly before 10am local time near Las Virgenes Road, south of Agoura Road.
A brush fire was ignited and it made getting to the crash harder for emergency services.
Eyewitnesses have told TMZ the helicopter’s engine was heard sputtering before it crashed. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
Bryant famously used a helicopter to travel, dating back to his days as one of the greatest basketball players to grace this planet with the LA Lakers. He was even known to get a helicopter from Newport Beach, CA to the STAPLES Center in DTLA in his Sikorsky S-76.
. @lasdhq helicopter over the chopper crash scene. pic.twitter.com/ouR1JeCTOy
— Richard Winton (@LAcrimes) January 26, 2020
The basketball legend is survived by his wife Vanessa, their four daughters, Gianna, Natalia and Bianca and their newborn child Capri.
Kobe is widely considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time, making 18 All Star teams during a 20-year career with the Lakers. He was a first-round draft pick in the 1996 draft, winning 5 NBA Championships, 2 NBA Final MVPs and the league MVP in 2008.
#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
The Lakers also retired both his number 8 and number 24 jerseys… he was just that good. And the only player in Lakers history to receive that honour.
As if he wasn’t talented enough, Kobe also won things outside of sport as he won an Oscar for his short film Dear Basketball in 2018.
RIP to a legend.
Taking the idea of ‘being woke’ to a whole new level over a decade-long career in sport, court and online news, George has worked for titles and agencies including ESPN FC, Eurosport, LADbible and Court News UK. He may not have a degree but does have an unhealthy obsession with Lord of the Rings.