NBA Legend Kobe Bryant Dies in Fiery Helicopter Crash, Officials Confirm

Vanessa Bryant (L) and Kobe Bryant attend the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California on March 4, 2018 (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Kobe Bryant, considered by many to be among the greatest NBA players of all time, died at age 41 in a helicopter crash on Sunday, according to the City of Calabasas, California.

“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,” the City of Calabasas wrote in a statement on Sunday afternoon, referring to the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration.

Entertainment website TMZ first reported that the helicopter crashed near Calabasas, California, killing everyone on board—including the former Los Angeles Lakers forward. Bryant’s longtime wife, Vanessa, was not on board the plane, the report said. ESPN, CNN, and Variety magazine also reported on his death. All three cited local officials for the information.

Sheriff’s officials said a helicopter crashed Sunday afternoon in Calabasas, but didn’t confirm Bryant’s death.

“Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in #Calabasas helicopter crash. #LASD #Malibu deputies remain with #LA County Fire personnel. Investigation ongoing,” the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office wrote. “Avoid the area until further notice.”

In a prior update, it said the downed helicopter’s flames were extinguished, while sheriff’s officials and the local fire department were searching for survivors.

Bryant, the son of former NBA player Joe Bryant, led the NBA in scoring during two seasons and ranks fourth on the league’s all-time regular-season scoring and fourth on the all-time postseason scoring list. He won five championships with the Lakers.

He’s also the first guard in NBA history to have played for at least 20 seasons.

On social media, there was a significant outpouring of grief, including from current and former NBA players.

Other details about his death were not available.