Kobe Bryant Dies In Helicopter Crash

TMZ has confirmed that basketball legend Kobe Bryant – one of the biggest sports stars in the world – died Sunday morning in a helicopter crash over Calabasas, a tony city in LA County known as a haven for celebrities.

Though many online wished that news of his death was fake or some kind of sick joke…

TMZ said Kobe Bryant died in a Helicopter crash. I’m calling bull shit on this Fake news pic.twitter.com/3vH21lMxaZ

— Gutta Ball (@Larellj) January 26, 2020

…several local news outlets have confirmed the story.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Per TMZ, Kobe has famously used a helicopter to travel for years, even when he was still playing with the LA Lakers. He was known for commuting from his home in Newport Beach to the Staples Center in his Sikorsky S-76 chopper. Kobe was traveling with at least three other people in his private chopper when it went down. A fire reportedly broke out at the scene. Emergency personnel responded, but all five people in the helicopter – Bryant, three as-yet-unidentified friends, and the pilot – died in the crash.

Local news reported that Malibu deputies responded to what appears to be the scene of the crash, though both TMZ and the LA County Police Twitter feed described the crash as occurring over Calabasas. The tweets didn’t name any of the victims.

#Update Downed aircraft is a helicopter. Flames extinguished. #Malibu deputies at crash site looking for survivors, 4200 blk Las Virgenes Rd #Calabasas #LASD pic.twitter.com/eixLhGhLyE

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

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

Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa, and their four daughters, Gianna, Natalia and Bianca and their newborn Capri.