NBA legend Kobe Bryant dies in helicopter crash
NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter died on January 26 while involved in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
According to an article from TMZ Sports The 41-year-old legend was traveling with his daughter Gianna Maria when the helicopter crashed, causing a fire.
Five people were confirmed dead in the disaster. His wife, Vanessa Bryant, was not on board. Eyewitnesses also told the news feed that before the fatal accident occurred, a crackling noise could be heard from the helicopter's engine.
The Pennsylvania-born star played his entire 20-year basketball career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five championships and 18 All-Star games before retiring in April 2016. He was considered one of the "greatest players in history".
His other accomplishments include winning the 2008 NBA Championship and two-time NBA Finals, and winning an Oscar for Dear Basketball in 2018.
In 2018 Bryant invested in Epic Games under his Bryant Stibel firm, and also invested in an esports training facility at the Mamba Athletic Academy in Thousand Oaks, California.
The legendary athlete has been using private helicopters for years and flying from his home in Newport Beach, California to the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles to play matches.
Tributes to the NBA legend and Gianna have spilled over on social media, with many celebrities and influencers paying tribute on Twitter. "R.I.P. and prayers to all his family and everyone it concerns," Fortnite star Tyler tweeted. Ninja » Blevins.
WWIII scares, the corona virus, now we lost Kobe to a helicopter crash? Say it aint so 2020 is horrific.
- Ninja (@Ninja) January 26, 2020
RIP and prayers to his entire family and everyone affected.
"What a terrible, terrible tragedy," 100 Thieves member Jack said. Courage » Dunlop. “I feel so bad for his family. Rest in peace, Kobe Bryant."
What a terrible terrible tragedy.
—Jack “CouRage” Dunlop (@CouRageJD) January 26, 2020
I feel so bad for his family.
R.I.P. Kobe Bryant
Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa and three children, daughters Natalia, Bianca and their seven-month-old Capri.