Kobe Bryant dead at 41: First images of tragic helicopter crash emerge as world mourns NBA basketball legend
THESE are the first images of the terrifying crash that claimed the life of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
The LA Lakers icon tragically passed away aged 41 after a helicopter crash on a hill behind Kourtney Kardashian’s Californian home.
An investigation into the incident - which happened on Sunday morning - is underway and tributes pour in online for the court legend
According to TMZ, the helicopter went up in a ball of fire after hitting the ground.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter crashed under "unknown circumstances."
The FAA said it was informed by local authorities there five people onboard at the time.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office said all five had died.
Around the time of the crash, L.A. Times reporter Richard Winton reported the mountains were "fogged in."
"I heard the plane splutter and then a boom," he tweeted.
It is unclear who the helicopter belonged to or where it originated from and was going to.
L.A. Times reporter Richard Winton reported the mountains were "fogged in."
"I heard the plane splutter and then a boom," he tweeted.