NBA Legend Kobe Bryant Dies In Helicopter Crash

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles Sunday morning, US media reported.

The LA County Sheriff's department said that five people died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on Sunday, with no survivors.

"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," it was said on Twitter.

The City of Calabasas Twitter account also shared a post, saying: "It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Kobe Bryant and four others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas. The aircraft went down in a remote field off Las Virgenes around 10: 00 this morning. Nobody on the ground was hurt. The FAA and NTSB are investigating."

"Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN," NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski said on his Twitter account.

Kobe's daughter, Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, 13, was also inside the helicopter, both were heading to basketball practice at Bryant's training facility, the Mamba Academy.

"Sources: Kobe Bryant was on his way to a travel basketball game with his daughter Gianna when the helicopter crashed. Those aboard the helicopter also included another player and parent," Wojnarowski stated in another tweet.

"Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!," the U.S. President Donald Trump said.

Kobe's former teammate, Shaquille O'Neal, whom he won three back-to-back championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002, also took to Instagram and said: "There are no words to express the pain I'm going through now with this tragic and sad moment of losing my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie. I love you brother and you will be missed. My condolences go out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW !"

The Eastern Conference franchise Miami Heat expressed their condolences.

"Our hearts are heavy with extreme sadness at this time. We extend our deepest prayers, thoughts, and condolences to the family of Kobe Bryant and those affected in today's tragedy," the three-time NBA Champions from East said on social media.

Los Angeles Lakers' legendary shooting guard Bryant, 41, was a five-time NBA champion.

The 18-time NBA All-Star Bryant spent his illustrious 20-year-long career with Lakers.

Besides, he helped the Team USA win two Olympic medals in Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

Kobe also won an Oscar in 2018, when he was involved in a film called "Dear Basketball", which was nominated for best animated short.

The film depicts Bryant as a child, dreaming of becoming a basketball champion and an NBA star. -