L.A. star and NBA basketball legend Kobe Bryant is dead after a tragic helicopter crash claimed the lives of five, including the 5x NBA Champ.
First reported by TMZ and the LA Times, the Laker legend fell victim to the crash that occurred around 10 a.m. local time amid foggy conditions in the hills overlooking Calabasas. There were no survivors and the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Kobe Bryant, the legendary basketball star who spent 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, was killed Sunday when the helicopter he was traveling in crashed and burst into flames Sunday morning amid foggy conditions in the hills above Calabasas, sources told the L.A. Times.
The crash occurred shortly before 10 a.m. near Las Virgenes Road, south of Agoura Road, according to a watch commander for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The crash ignited a brush fire and made it difficult for firefighters and emergency personnel to get to the aircraft, he said.
TMZ has reported Gianna Marie Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter was also killed in the helicopter crash. Endless prayers to the Bryant family .
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
Fans, friends, and the entire NBA community are all in shock and awe at the tragedy and the world is bussing with grief. We are sending our well wishes to the family and friends of Bryant in this difficult and trying time.
Update: Among those involved in the fatal crash was former college baseball coach, John Altobelli and his wife and daughter.
