Kobe Bryant Dies in Helicopter Crash with Daughter
Legendary NBA player Kobe Bryant has died in a California helicopter crash.
He was 41.
Bryant was traveling in his private helicopter over Calabasas when a fire broke out, sending the chopper spiraling from the sky. It was later confirmed that his 13-year-old daughter Gianna (“Gigi”) was with him, along with her basketball teammate Alyssa Altobelli.
Gianna Bryant, Kobe’s teen daughter, reportedly among dead in helicopter crash https://t.co/Gguc0NCkim pic.twitter.com/cCxRfahLRJ
— New York Post (@nypost) January 26, 2020
There were no survivors, and the cause of the crash is under investigation.
Among the victims were John Altobelli, his wife Keri, and their 13-year-old daughter Alyssa. Altobelli was head coach of Orange Coast College baseball, and his daughter was on Bryant’s Mamba team. The group was on their way to a tourney in Thousand Oaks.
Breaking Update: Christina Mauser, assistant basketball coach at Harbor Day School in Orange County, is also confirmed to have been killed in the crash.
Bryant’s wife Vanessa was not among those aboard the chopper.
Few bigger icons in the history of world sport than Kobe Bryant.
This is desperately sad news. RIP. pic.twitter.com/wr4zmMYRmc— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 26, 2020
Bryant starred for two decades with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five championships and making 18 All-Star Games before retiring after the 2016 season.
Tonight, LAX’s pylons will be lit in purple and gold in memory of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and all those who were with them in today’s unthinkable accident. Kobe was in many ways a symbol of Los Angeles and we join his family, fans and city in mourning all who were lost today. pic.twitter.com/HGX5AaSDBG
— LAX Airport (@flyLAXairport) January 27, 2020
LAX airport’s pylons will be lit in purple and gold in memory of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and all those who were with them in the accident.
Warriors were practicing when the news of Kobe Bryant's death broke. They called off practice, canceled media availability. Like every emotionally rocked NBA franchise right now, a ton of people in the organization were connected to him in various ways.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 26, 2020
#RIP Kobe Bryant 🙏🏼
Born in Philadelphia in 1978
Starred at Lower Merion HS pic.twitter.com/jArhIPYXVW— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 26, 2020
News of Kobe’s death was first reported by TMZ and confirmed by Adrian Wojnarowski.
RIP Kobe Bryant. I cannot believe I just typed those words. Just impossible to comprehend. He was becoming as big a force in his second career as he was on the court. God bless his wife and children.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 26, 2020
Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 26, 2020
There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 26, 2020
I’m heartbroken by this news, you were a true legend, and friend. Rest In Peace @kobebryant, my thoughts and prayers to his wife and kids. #legend #mamba #goat pic.twitter.com/1VKYdbrVEk
— Tony Parker (@tonyparker) January 26, 2020
Fans have gathered outside Staples Center to remember Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/u5FhPkCz0q
— ESPN (@espn) January 26, 2020