Kobe Bryant Dies In Massive Helicopter Crash In Los Angeles
Kobe Bryant tragically died in a massive helicopter crash on Sunday morning, after the aircraft he was traveling in went down in the hills near Calabasas, California.
According to reports, the NBA legend and 4 other people were aboard his private helicopter when it crashed near Calabassas, California just outside of the city of Los Angeles.
First responders including the LA County Fire Department and LA County Sheriff's rushed to the scene of the accident, but tragically all 5 people on board died as a result of the crash. Witnesses on scene say a fire broke out near where the chopper went down, and a fire was visible to nearby residents.
According to reports, the helicopter crashed and burst into flames, during morning foggy conditions in the LA hills. The accident took place around 10 A.M Sunday morning confirmed the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The massive crash ignited a brush fire in the hill area and made it "difficult for firefighters and emergency personnel to get to the aircraft," Sheriffs said.
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Helicopter Crashed In Foggy Weather Near Calabassas
Kobe's wife Vanessa Bryant was NOT on the helicopter with her husband when it went down. Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa, and their four daughters -- Natalia, Gianna, Bianca, and their newborn Capri.
According to law enforcement, an alert has been put out confirming the death, saying, "Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in #Calabasas helicopter crash. #LASD #Malibu deputies remain with #LA County Fire personnel. Investigation ongoing."
Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest NBA players of all time spanning many years with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was one of the youngest first-round picks in the NBA drafts. The Black Mamba won multiple NBA Championships and was NBA Finals MVP twice.
Many have started to post messages about death including celebrities, athletes, and fans.
Kobe's 13-Year-Old Daughter Gianna Killed In Accident
In heartbreaking and tragic news...Kobe Bryant's 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Maria Onore Bryant was also on the helicopter at the time of the crash.
Bryant's little girl, who went by 'GiGi' was a young basketball phenom, who played with her father at the Mamba Academy.
It is being reported, Kobe and Gianna were on their way to a basketball practice at the Mamba Academy when the crash occurred. The academy is located in Thousand Oaks, which is near where the helicopter went down.
Pictures From The Crash Scene....
In photos from the crash scene, you can see the massive response by first responders, who rushed to the scene to try and help Kobe and the other passengers.
In the photos, obtained by The Blast, you can see smoke billowing up from the area near the tragic crash. The accident took place in the hills near Calabassas, CA and several members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and LA County Sheriff's officers were on scene.
In one video, from the crash scene, it is clear the helicopter came apart when it slammed into a hillside in the hills outside of Los Angeles.
Video From Above The Accident Scene
According to reports, all passengers on board were killed when the helicopter went down in the early morning fog. The helicopter crashed and then burst into flames making it "difficult for firefighters and emergency personnel to get to the aircraft."
Kobe Bryant was well known for using his private helicopter to travel back and forth from Orange County where he shares a home with his family, to Los Angeles for events and basketball games.
According to reports, one of Kobe's daughters, Gianna, was on board when the helicopter went down.
Celebrities React The Kobe's Death
President Donald Trump tweeted about the death, "Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California," He added, "That is terrible news!"
Justin Bieber took to Instagram, posting, "It can't be. You always encouraged me mamba. Gave me some of the best quotes that we smile about to this day.! Love you man!"
Actress Reese Witherspoon tweeted, "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."
NFL legend Tom Brady tweeted, "We miss you already Kobe."
More Celebrities React To The Tragic Death...
Whoppi Goldberg tweeted, "RIP Kobe, hero to many including my grandson, extraordinary athlete and always kind to me & my family. My deepest condolences to his family."
UFC President Dana White posted a message, "Horrible!!!! RIP my man."
'The Migos' star Quavo said, "Rest In Paradise Kobe Bryant Praying 🙏🏾 For The Family I Hope Wake Up From This Nightmare Because This Can’t Be True! Saddest Day In Sports History. We Love U Big Bro."
Rapper Lil' Pump posted, "This one really hurt me I’ve been watching you play as a kid Rip to one of the greatest to ever do it."
'OITNB' Star Taryn Manning took to Instagram, saying, "What an awesome human being you are! Thank you for reminding me how precious life is! And how precious you are! The good good Lord loves you very much. Rest in pure peace in your true home now ❤️💕😔#kobe #superstar so #kind I am #crushed @kobebryant We are the exact same age too the buds! You had a huge life and I am so sorry this happened this way. I do dislike flying objects! Ugh. #love"
