UPDATE: 3:50 PM – Bryant’s 13-year old daughter Gianna Maria Onore, affectionately called “Gigi” was among those on the plane with Kobe. She has also died. They were on their way to Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks for his daughter, Gianna’s basketball practice. At which he was a coach.
BREAKING NEWS: Kobe Bryant is dead after his private helicopter crashed on Sunday morning in Calabassas, California. TMZ Sports confirmed the news. Nobody on board survived.
Kobe Bryant, One Of The Greatest NBA Players Of All Time Has Died
At least 8 other people were on board his private helicopter when it went down, where it created a quarter acre brush fire. By the time Emergency personnel responded, it was too late. Everyone on board had perished. In all, 9 people are confirmed dead. Reportedly, Kobe’s wife, Vanessa was not on board.
Bryant is survived by his wife, Vanessa and three daughters, Natalia Diamante, Bianka Bella and their newborn Capri Kobe (who was just born last year). Kobe and Vanessa’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Maria-Onore was also on board. She too died in the crash.
Having retired just a few years ago from the NBA, he played with only one team his entire career, the Los Angeles Lakers.
He is the only player in NBA history to be honored by having 2 jerseys numbers retired, number 8 and 24.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Our hearts go out to his beautiful family. R.I.P. Mamba!!!
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