Kobe Bryant Dies in Helicopter Crash in Southern California at Age 41
By Karl Rasmussen
According to a report from TMZ, and later confirmed by a Southern California ABC news station, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has died at the age of 41.
TMZ first reported the accident. Bryant was reportedly on board alongside four other individuals. Nobody is believed to have survived the accident.
BREAKING: Kobe Bryant Has Died In A Helicopter Crash https://t.co/42oINV9ZUU
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 26, 2020
The cause of the helicopter accident remains under investigation, though the incident, which left five people deceased, was confirmed by the Los Angeles County's Sheriff's Department.
Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in #Calabasas helicopter crash. #LASD #Malibu deputies remain with #LA County Fire personnel. Investigation ongoing.
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) January 26, 2020
Avoid the area until further notice.
TMZ was first to report that Bryant's wife, Vanessa Bryant, was not believed to be on board the helicopter at the time of the crash.
#BreakingNews
— Curt Sandoval (@abc7curt) January 26, 2020
This is not a joke-Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas
Our ABC7 Desk has confirmed
#abc7eyewitness
Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, retiring after the 2015-16 season. To say that his loss is a painful one is the greatest of understatement. There will truly never be another one quite like Kobe.
Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones in the face of this awful tragedy.