TMZ is reporting that NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna have died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday morning. At least five people are confirmed dead. The former basketball player was 41 years old.
Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in #Calabasas helicopter crash. #LASD #Malibu deputies remain with #LA County Fire personnel. Investigation ongoing.
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) January 26, 2020
Avoid the area until further notice.
Mountain bikers witnessed the helicopter "in distress" before it crashed into a mountainside in Calabasas on Sunday morning. The Los Angeles Fire Department says the accident occurred around 10 a.m. PST.
#lafd on seen at the #calabasas #helicoptercrash. They report it as a Sikorsky s76. No survivors. Word is a VIP was onboard. pic.twitter.com/LCwTCWwpxt
— Colin Rich (@HeyItsMeColin) January 26, 2020
(Via TMZ)
Kobe was traveling with at least 3 other people in his private helicopter when it went down. A fire broke out. Emergency personnel responded, but nobody on board survived. 5 people are confirmed dead. We're told Vanessa Bryant was not among those on board.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Kobe has famously used a helicopter to travel for years -- dating back to when he played for the Lakers. He was known for commuting from Newport Beach, CA to the STAPLES Center in DTLA in his Sikorsky S-76 chopper.
KB is survived by his wife Vanessa, and their four daughters -- Gianna, Natalia and Bianca and their newborn Capri.
Kobe Bryant Dead
— Breaking News (@NewsAlertUK_) January 26, 2020
• Happened around 10am according to LA County Sheriff
• 41-year-old killed in crash
• Five people onboard are confirmed dead
• Fire broke out and emergency personnel responded
• Crash happened in Calabasas California #KobeBryant #Bryant #Calabasas pic.twitter.com/4jMLT0CsQ3
This is a breaking news story.