Update 5:00 PM:
We previously reported that Kobe Bryant and five other died in the helicopter crash.
But numerous reports have also confirmed that his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna ‘Gigi’ Bryant was also one of the people that passed.
The number of passengers on the hospital is nine, including the pilot.
The names of other passengers who died with Kobe Bryant will be released in the next news.
ORIGINAL POST:
Numerous outlets reported and have confirmed that former Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant passed away due to a helicopter crash.
TMZ first reported the news.
Bryants was travelling with three more people using his private helicopter when it went down and a fire broke out.
There were emergency personnel that responded but nobody on board has survived, according to TMZ Sports.
Five people are confirmed dead, including the NBA legend.
Bryant’s wife Vanessa and their kids were not on board.
According to eyewitnesses, they heard the helicopter’s engine sputtering just before it came crashing down.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Numerous famous people have expressed their shock and sadness to the news.
Arianna Huffington tweeted, “Shocked and saddened about the tragic death of Kobe Bryant. His mantra was ‘live today to inspire tomorrow’ and he inspired millions. My heart goes out to his beloved family.”
Warrior Insider Monte Poole said, “Love Kobe or not, this is a wallop of a gut-punch.”
Cosmetics mogul Jeffree Star, who lived in the area, tweeted, “I can’t believe this is real. I saw emergency helicopters fly over our neighborhood earlier and I am in shock. How??? RIP Kobe.”
It is known that Kobe Bryan used a helicopter for his travels for years, even before playing for the LA Lakers.
KB is survived by his wife Vanessa and four daughters, Gianna, Natalia, Bianca and their newborn, Capri.
On Saturday, LeBron James have finally passed Bryant as the third all-time NBA scorer.
He paid tribute to LeBron on Instagram – as his last post – saying, “On to #2 @kingjames! Keep growing the game and charting the path for the next.”
Originally from Philadelphia, Bryant was drafted after graduating high school from Charlotte Hornets.
He was 13th overall pick in the first round of the 1996 draft. The Hornets traded him to the Lakers, where he played until he retired in 2016.
He even won 5 NBA finals, voted 18 as an All-Star team and scored 81 points in one game with the Raptors back in 2006.
Bryant also won two Olympic gold medals.
Kobe Bryant was 41 years old.
