Kobe Bryant dies in helicopter crash

Legendary NBA star Kobe Bryant has died.

Bryant was among nine people on a helicopter that crashed in Southern California on Sunday – TMZ first reported the news. Kobe’s second daughter, Gianna, was also killed in the crash. John Altobelli, the baseball coach at Orange Coast College, was also on the helicopter and died. His daughter, Alyssa, played on the Mamba team, and his wife Keri also died in the crash.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and all initial reports said five people died in the crash, though they later said nine people died.

Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in #Calabasas helicopter crash. #LASD #Malibu deputies remain with #LA County Fire personnel. Investigation ongoing.

Avoid the area until further notice.

— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) January 26, 2020

The Los Angeles Times says the crash occurred shortly before 10 a.m. near Las Virgenes Road, south of Agoura Road. The helicopter crashed into the hills in Calabasas amid foggy conditions.

The group was headed to a basketball game or practice at Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks.

The former Los Angeles Lakers star was known for taking a helicopter as his method of transportation going from his home in Orange County to Staples Center in Los Angeles when he played. Bryant was a 5-time NBA champion, 18-time All-Star, 2-time NBA Finals MVP, and NBA MVP. He is regarded as one of the greatest NBA players in history, as well as one of the most influential.

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Other victims of the helicopter crash:
– John Altobelli, junior college baseball coach, also died in helicopter crash
– Christina Mauser, girls’ basketball coach, among the helicopter crash victims

Tributes to Kobe:
– Dallas Mavericks retire Kobe Bryant’s No. 24 jersey
– Video: Raptors, Spurs start game with amazing tribute to Kobe Bryant
– Shaq posts heartfelt tribute to Kobe Bryant
– Michael Jordan releases statement on death of ‘little brother’ Kobe Bryant
– Video: Doc Rivers breaks down crying talking about Kobe Bryant
– Phil Jackson calls Kobe Bryant ‘a chosen one’ in statement on his death
– NBA commissioner Adam Silver issues statement on death of Kobe Bryant
– Video: Dwyane Wade posts emotional message reacting to Kobe Bryant’s death
– Kendrick Perkins extends olive branch to Kevin Durant after Kobe Bryant’s death
– Video: Emotional Mike Breen sums up NBA world’s emotions about Kobe Bryant’s death
– Trae Young’s huge game was full of Kobe Bryant-related statistical coincidences