The basketball star has reportedly died in a helicopter crash that killed everyone on board.
Former professional basketball player Kobe Bryant has died following a helicopter crash, according to a report issued by TMZ on Sunday evening.
He was 41 years old.
The TMZ report notes that Bryant was travelling with at least three other people in his private helicopter when it crashed in Calabasas, California.
ABC News has confirmed that five people have died in the crash.
ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski took to Twitter to confirm Bryant’s death:
Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
It is believed that a fire broke out before the helicopter went down. Bryant’s wife Vanessa is not believed to have been on board.
At the time of writing, the Los Angeles County Fire Department is currently at the scene of the “multiple fatality” crash.
*AIRCRAFT DOWN* Battalion 5 units working a multiple fatality helicopter crash in #Calabasas the #NTSB is currently in route to this incident. @LASDHQ is on scene and assisting. This is the #Willow incident. Battalion 5 is Willow IC pic.twitter.com/j9shN0NnWY
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 26, 2020
The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department posted photographs from the scene:
#Update Downed aircraft is a helicopter. Flames extinguished. #Malibu deputies at crash site looking for survivors, 4200 blk Las Virgenes Rd #Calabasas #LASD pic.twitter.com/eixLhGhLyE
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) January 26, 2020
A press conference is set to take place later on Sunday evening.
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