Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna dead in fiery helicopter crash in California
NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his oldest daughter, Gianna, were killed in a fiery helicopter crash in California today, according to multiple reports.
was the first to confirm that the were on their way to the Mamba Academy for a basketball practice when the private helicopter went down at 1 p.m. EST.
TMZ later reported that Gianna did not survive the crash. She was 13.
The Sun talked to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office who confirmed five people were aboard the helicopter.
The City of Calabasas confirmed the news of the crash with a statement on Twitter.
They wrote: "This information is preliminary and subject to change.
"An S-76 helicopter crashed this morning under unknown circumstances near Calabasas, California.
"Local authorities say that five people were on board."
According to TMZ, the helicopter went down for an unknown reason.
Emergency responders got to the scene as quickly as possible but no one survived the crash, cops said.
TMZ also reported that his wife, Vanessa Bryant, was not on board at the time of the crash.
The helicopter crash happened behind Kourtney Kardashian's home.
Tributes have started to flood social media, with several of his fellow NBA players chiming in.
NBA all-timer Bill Russell tweeted out: "Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game! Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls.
"You were my biggest fan, but I was yours #RIPMAMBA".
Dominique Wilkins wrote: "I have no words, God speed my friend. You are a legend."
While NBA legend Scottie Pippen wrote: "I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day."
And Tony Parker posted: "I’m heartbroken by this news, you were a true legend, and friend. Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers to his wife and kids. #legend #mamba #goat"
Other athletes have also paid their tributes to the basketball legend.
NFL player Robert Griffin III wrote on Twitter: "Hurting like the rest of the world right now but not as much as Kobe’s Family.
"Everybody keep them in your thoughts and prayers #RIPKobe"
While NHL legend Wayne Gretzky posted: "Janet and I have no words to describe our shock and sadness on the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant today. Praying for him and his family."
Kobe's last tweet on his social media was a congratulatory message to fellow basketball player, Lebron James.
The tweet read: "Continuing to move the game forward. Much respect my brother #33644.";
Just this morning, the LA County Sheriffs had shared a tweet about a helicopter crash that occurred in the Calabasas area.
They wrote: "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."
READ MORE IN ENTERTAINMENT
Kobe is survived by his wife and three children: Natalia, Bianca and newborn Capri, who was born in June 2019.
Kobe is considered one of the best basketball players of all time and played for 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers.
He was a 5-time NBA champion.
Do you have a story for The US Sun team?
Email us at [email protected] or call 212 416 4552.