Lakers star Kobe Bryant was killed Sunday in a helicopter crash.
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesRetired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant was killed Sunday morning when the helicopter he was traveling in crashed in Southern California, according to a TMZ report confirmed by Variety and the Los Angeles Times. Bryant's 13-year-old daughter Gianna was reportedly among those killed when the helicopter burst into flames after crashing in foggy conditions.
All nine people on board the helicopter died when it crashed into a hillside shortly before 10 a.m. PT in the Calabasas area northwest of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said.
Bryant, 41, is widely regarded as one of basketball's greatest players of all time, frequently compared with fellow NBA icon Michael Jordan. The 6-foot-6 guard spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five NBA titles and earning All-Star honors 18 times.
He was the league's most valuable player in 2008 and won two gold medals with the USA Men's Basketball team in 2008 and 2012. Bryant was drafted out of high school at the age of 17, and when he made his professional debut in 1996, he was the youngest player to ever appear in an NBA game.
He was also the youngest player in NBA history to amass 27,000 career points. On Saturday, Bryant sent a tweet -- his last -- congratulating LeBron James for passing him for third on the NBA's all-time scoring list.
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
Bryant retired in 2015 and will be eligible for the NBA Hall of Fame this year.
In 2016, Bryant began a new career, running a $100 million venture capital fund that primarily invests in tech, media and data companies. At the time, Bryant said he recognized venture capital is a "different ballgame" than his NBA job, but said the disciplines he learned playing pro basketball for 20 years applied to his VC job.
Bryant also picked up an Academy Award in 2018 for the animated short Dear Basketball, which is based on a letter he wrote in 2015 announcing his retirement from basketball.
The crash ignited a brush fire, making it difficult for firefighters and emergency personnel to get to the aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash, which involved a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter, said FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer.
Among the many remembering Bryant and expressing shock at his death Sunday was singer and former Laker girl Paula Abdul, who paid tribute to Bryant on Twitter, saying she was devastated by the news of his passing. "Kobe had a big heart and an even bigger love for the community of Los Angeles," she wrote.
I am completely speechless and devastated at the unexpected passing of my dear friend, @kobebryant. 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. pic.twitter.com/4zs4zcjcfe
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) January 26, 2020
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady expressed his love for Bryant, saying, "We miss you already Kobe."
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees paid tribute as well, saying Bryant "inspired so many people."
ESPN sports commentator Keith Olbermann called on the NBA to cancel Sunday's games as a tribute to Bryant.
Cancel all NBA games today and tonight. Even those just about to tip. Do it now. #KobeRIP
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) January 26, 2020
Actress Mindy Kaling and California Senator Kamala Harris were also among those extending their thoughts to Bryant's family.
#KobeBryant you were the greatest. You made our city and the rest of the world so proud. Every basketball fan knew the magnificence of the Mamba. Love and healing to Vanessa and those little girls. God, this is just the worst ever.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) January 26, 2020
My heart is completely broken for Vanessa, the entire Bryant family, and all those on board. A father, husband, philanthropist, and one of California’s most brilliant icons, Kobe transcended sports.
Let's all hold those we love a little tighter today and every day.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 26, 2020
Fans gathered at a makeshift memorial in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, and many others memorialized Bryant online.
Many others expressed their sadness on social media.
Kobe Bryant is the reason I fell in love with basketball. He was my Michael Jordan. I was so lucky to get to watch him play.
— Christian Rivas (@RadRivas) January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant was really our generation’s Michael Jordan and we just lost him in the blink of an eye. This is truly heartbreaking.
— G.O.A.T 🐐➐ (@WhoIsMecca) January 26, 2020
I’ll never forget seeing that 81 point game Kobe had, it was like watching Superman, truly inspiring type of shit that made a young kid like me at the time feel like anything was possible. Sports are a beautiful thing, and legends like Kobe make it more than a game. #RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/CGztfj2nKe
— Colin (@IntroSpecktive) January 26, 2020
Originally published Jan. 26, 12:05 p.m. PT.
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