Kobe Bryant, 41, dead in helicopter crash with daughter
It's a sad day for basketball fans as retired NBA player Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California earlier today.
The news was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Twitter.
Bryant and his daughter were among the nine passengers aboard the helicopter on Sunday, US Eastern time.
It said, "Today at 0947am, @LHSLASD assisted @LACOFD with a Helicopter Crash near the @CityofCalabasas. All we can confirm at the moment is 9 people were on board. No one survived. We at @LASDHQ offer our condolences to those families affected. @NTSB & @FAANews are on scene & investigating https://t.co/IqSIeqzZbl"
According to two law enforcement officials, Kobe and his daughter were on their way to a sports academy that was holding youth basketball tournaments called the “Mamba Cup Tournament Series.” He was supposed to coach his daughter's team.
As of this writing, all the games were canceled after the news of Bryant's death became public.
Kobe as a legend
Bryant was directly out of high school when he was scouted to be part of the NBA league in 1996. He was named an All-Star during his season for the Lakers and even helped the team to five championships.
By 2007-2008, he was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player and the Finals M.V.P. at the 2009 and 2010 championship games. He then continued to be among the top players in the league.
In the 2015 to 2016 season, Bryan announced his retirement citing his physical decline. In his final game, he scored 60 points leading the last-place Lakers to a surprising win over the Utah Jazz.
In his lifetime, Bryant became the youngest player in the league to reach 30,000 career points and his MVP awards are tied with basketball legend Bob Pettit for the most in NBA history.
He was scheduled to headline the 2020 NBA Hall of Fame nominees.
Celebrities mourn Kobe's tragic passing
Following his tragic passing, friends of the basketball star couldn't help but fathom their loss. From fans, Kanye West, to former US President Barack Obama, several celebrities have been sending their regards to Kobe's family as well as the families of the lives lost from the accident.
According to Barack, “Kobe was a legend on the court” and was “getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act.”
Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.
American rapper Kanye West paid tribute to his longtime friend by posting a throwback photo of them together.
“Kobe, we love you brother. We're praying for your family and appreciate the life you've lived and all the inspiration you gave,” he wrote in the caption.
American talk show host Jimmy Kimmel described Kobe as “charismatic and among the hardest working athletes ever.” He also cited how the basketball star was very much involved with his four daughters growing up.
“Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents, & his fellow passengers' families on this sad and shocking day. We will never forget you, Kobe,” he added.
Similarly, Kapuso stars who are die-hard fans of the legendary basketball star mourn over his loss. Basketball fans like Rodjun Cruz, Ruru Madrid, and David Licauco were at a loss for words in describing the shocking news.
This is a developing story.
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