UPDATE: Kobe Bryant & daughter dead in helicopter crash
Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna M. Bryant aka 'Gigi', was also on board the private helicopter when it went down on Sunday, reps for the former basketball player told TMZ Sports.
Sources say they were on their way to the 'Mamba Academy' for a basketball practice when the crash occurred.
CNN reported that after the crash, emergency personnel responded but no one on board survived. Initial reports indicated that five persons were on the flight, however, California police in a live press conference, said they believed nine persons perished based on flight information.
President Trump Reacts
US President, Donald J. Trump was one of the first world leaders reacting to the tragic news, tweeting "Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!"
Several other celebrities including, Edris Elba, Trevor Noah & Reese Witherspoon paid homage to the fallen NBA legend with tweets detailing their shock at the tragic news.
According to Witherspoon, "Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant. An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well."
Musician Paula Abdul said in a tweet on Sunday afternoon, "I am completely speechless and devastated at the unexpected passing of my dear friend, @kobebryant."
She continued, "Kobe had a big heart and an even bigger love for the community of Los Angeles. Through his foundation, he changed the lives of so many people and families with his wife, Vanessa."
Fans gather @ Staples Centre
Crowds of fans are already gathering at the Staples Center in the US, the home court of the Los Angeles Lakers, the team Bryant played 20 years for before retiring.
The arena is hosting the Grammy Awards tonight, which means the scene could become chaotic as more stars and athletes arrive for music's biggest night.
More details to come as the story develops.
See previous story published today, January 26, 2020
NBA Legend Kobe Bryant killed in helicopter crash
-Five people confirmed dead in California crash
CALIFORNIA, USA - 41-year-old NBA superstar and legend, Kobe B. Bryant died today, January 26, 2020, in a California helicopter crash, reports indicate no survivors.
Bryant was allegedly travelling in his own private helicopter when it crashed and at least four other people were killed in the accident, with investigators now trying to determine the cause of the crash.
According to TMZ Sports, the crash occurred around 10 a.m. local time amid foggy conditions in the hills overlooking Calabasas, in California.
The chopper sparking a brush fire on impact that hampered initial rescue efforts, the LA Times indicated.
Kobe's wife, Vanessa Bryant, was not among those aboard the chopper, according to reports.
NBA All-Star player
An 18-time NBA All-Star who played for the LA Lakers, Bryant was widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all-time.
He was voted the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2008 and went on to win two gold medals with the USA Men’s Basketball team in 2008 and 2012. In 2018, Bryant won an Academy Award for his short film, “Dear Basketball.”
He is also survived by the couple’s four daughters, with the youngest born just last June.
Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) will bring more information as it becomes available.
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28 Responses to “UPDATE: Kobe Bryant & daughter dead in helicopter crash”
While you cry and look to the right the elites are laughing and putting in work on the left
The elites do this same s**t over and over again and it works, take our attention and shift it somewhere else while they make a mess of this world
These guys already sold their souls, no coincidence why they killed his daughter at age 13 that’s their favorite number
How do we even know he was in there ? What are they taking our focus off of this time ? Is it the virus
Come on guys these things are always connected think outside the box sometimes most of the guys one the mainstream are puppets