Kobe Bryant Dies in Helicopter Crash: NBA Star’s Daughter Gianna Among Nine Dead

The basketball world is in mourning after the shocking death of NBA star Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash near Calabasas, California on Sunday.

The 41-year-old LA Lakers legend was one of nine aboard the crashed helicopter, as was his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

It’s still too early to ascertain the reasons for the accident but initial reports state that the Los Angeles County Fire Department received a phone call at 10 a.m local time, reporting the downing of the helicopter.

Also among those who were killed were the pilot and six other passengers.

The shock of Bryant’s death has been palpable, with outpouring of emotion streaming across social media sites, as fans of the basketball great attempted to process this hugely shocking event.

Bryant was a giant of the game who played his entire 20-year career with the Lakers and retired as a five-time NBA champion in 2016 and was universally loved and admired.

He is the fourth leading point scorer in NBA history with a mammoth 33,583 points. He finished as NBA MVP in 2007-08 and took part in 18 All-Star games.

Kobe Bryant leaves behind wife Vanessa and children Bianka, Natalia and Capri.