According to TMZ, NBA basketball icon Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning in California.
Kobe, 41, was with at least 3 other people when a fire broke out on his private helicopter. Nobody survived and at least 5 people are confirmed dead. His wife, Vanessa Bryant was not on board.
Pepperdine Graphic, Pepperdine’s a student-run newspaper, published a tweet on Sunday showing an image of the helicopter and smoke:
He had been using this same helicopter for years to travel to and from games at the Staples Center.
The NBA legend enjoyed 20 years playing with the Los Angeles Lakers during his prime. He started his career for the Lakers in 1996 after becoming the first guard to be drafted straight out of high school by the Hornets, who immediately traded him. He went on to win the 1997 Slam Dunk contest and was named an All-Star in his second season. He also helped the Lakers win three back-to-back NBA championships from 2000-2002.
He is survived by his wife Vanessa and his three daughters.
UPDATE: His daughter, Gianna Maria Onore aka GiGi was also on board the helicopter and died in the crash. They were on their way to the Mamba Academy for a basketball practice which is near Thousand Oaks.
Rest In Peace.