Lakers Legend, Kobe Bryant, 13-Year-Old Daughter, Three Others Killed In Helicopter Crash
Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Sunday morning.
The 41-year-old former Los Angeles Lakers basketball star’s death was first confirmed by TMZ.
The outlet reported that Bryant was traveling with four other people – including daughter ‘Gi-Gi’ – in his private Sikorsky S-76 helicopter when it crashed, killing everyone on board.
The cause of the crash is under investigation. Witnesses reported hearing the helicopter’s engine sputtering before it went down near the home of Kourtney Kardashian.
A flight plan indicated the helicopter took off from John Wayne Airport in Orange County at 9.06am PST and the last signal was received from the aircraft at 9.45am.
Sources told TMZ Bryant was headed to his Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks for basketball practice.
Bryant’s death came one day after he was passed by Lakers forward LeBron James for third place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
The unseated star congratulated James on Twitter during the Lakers’ 108-91 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.
James had written ‘Mamba 4 Life’ and ‘8/24 KB’ on his sneakers in gold ink before the game to show respect for Bryant.
This is a developing story.
Dozens of celebrities have taken to social media to express their shock over Kobe Bryant’s tragic death in a helicopter crash, Daily Mail reported.
Khloe Kardashian tweeted: ‘This can’t be real, there’s no way!!! My heart hurts.’
In another tweet, she wrote: ‘Please don’t let this be True. I’m shaking.’
Tristan Thompson was quick to tweet that ‘I hope this isn’t true man!!’ upon hearing the news that the 41-year-old was one of five people killed in the crash.
Demi Lovato shared a shot with the Lakers legend at the Staples Center: ‘This makes me so sad. Kobe you were always so sweet to me. Known you over 10 years.. not super well but we always joked about you coming over and playing that game of horse! You will he so missed by so many. You’re a legend with wings now. RIP Kobe.’
Bella Hadid posted a photo of Kobe reading the Los Angeles Times sports section while traveling with the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy, likely from the back-to-back titles in 2010.
‘I can’t believe this…Rest in Peace King…. thinking about Vanessa and their beautiful children during this time….,’ she wrote.
Travis Barker, who lives nearby in the upscale Southern California neighborhood, simply tweeted: ‘RIP KOBE.’
Khalid wrote: ‘RIP Kobe. This is heartbreaking unbelievable.’
A$AP Rocky shared on social media: ‘RIP KOBE, SO SAD, SUCH A SAD DAY N SAD NEWS, WE LOVE U.’
Chrissy Teigen was shocked and could not believe ‘this is real’ upon hearing the news that Bryant died.
Lance Bass shared a photo of the notable guard wearing his iconic purple and gold uniform with the caption: ‘No words.’
TRIBUNE
Please, remember to always like our page and visit our website for updates. You can also download our android mobile app from google playstore
