Kobe Bryant, 41, dies in helicopter crash; daughter of ex-Los Angeles Lakers star and seven others dead

The sports world is in shock after the death of one of the game’s legends, with fans, players and many others expressing their disbelief

Bryant spent 20 years with just one team – the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five NBA titles and two Finals MVPs

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Los Lakers guard Kobe Bryant dies in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles. His 13-year-old daughter and three others are also dead. Photo: Reuters

Published: 7:12am, 27 Jan 2020Updated: 7:43am, 27 Jan 2020

NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and three others were killed in a helicopter crash in Southern California on Sunday, his sudden death at age 41 touching off an outpouring of grief for a star whose celebrity transcended basketball.

The chopper went down in foggy conditions in Calabasas, about 30 miles (48 kilometres) northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Authorities confirmed that five people died, with no survivors. Bryant, an all-time basketball great who spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, was among the victims, a person familiar with the situation said.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said eight passengers and the pilot of the aircraft died in the accident, reports AFP.

“There were no survivors... There were nine people on board the aircraft, the pilot plus eight individuals,” Villanueva said. Early reports on Sunday said five people had been on board.

Lifelong Kobe Bryant fans Amanda and Philip Gordon of the San Fernando Valley, embrace at the at the scene near the hillside where the helicopter carrying Bryant crashed in Calabasas. Photo: USA TODAY Sports

Word of Bryant’s sudden death at age 41 rocketed around the sports and entertainment worlds, with many taking to Twitter to register their shock, disbelief and dismay.

“There’s no words to express the pain Im going through,” tweeted Lakers teammate Shaquille O’Neal, who won three NBA titles with Bryant. “(at)kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. … IM SICK RIGHT NOW.”