Former NBA superstar Kobe Bryant has died unexpectedly. First reports say that the former athlete died in a helicopter crash.
According to Local 10, five people were on board when the S-76 helicopter crashed near Calabasas in California this morning. Early data indicates that N72EX is the aircraft involved. Data from that aircraft can be found here.
Unfortunately, Bryant’s passing was not the only revealed tragedy involved in the crash. It turns out that one of Bryant’s daughters was also inside the helicopter. Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna was on board along with one of her teammates and that teammates’ parent, according to ESPN.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kobe Bryant was drafted into the NBA at the age of 17. He was the only NBA player to have a 20-year career with one team. In addition, he played in five championships, was named as two Finals MVPs and one regular-season MVP, was third on the all-time career scoring list, played for 15 All-NBA teams, was a 18-time All-Star, a four-time scoring champion, and more.
As he explained to NBC Sports about his legacy:
“It’s easier said than done because I think we all have dreams,” Kobe said. “But once you go through the process of trying to make those dreams a reality, you hit obstacles. And I think unfortunately because of pressure or anxiety or responsibilities, things, whatever, you kind of give up on those dreams and somewhere along the line you lose that imagination. I think it’s important that you never lose that. You have to keep that. That’s the most important thing. I never gave up my dream.”
After hearing of his sudden passing, there has been an influx of kind and grieving words shared online.
🙏 for Kobe
— Micky Arison (@MickyArison) January 26, 2020
can’t be true … just can’t be
— Justise Winslow (@IAmJustise) January 26, 2020
Just don’t have the words…. #Kobe
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 26, 2020
One of the greatest out there🐐🏀. @kobebryant pic.twitter.com/8j6gHuXGEf
— Eubanks4_ (@Eubanks42) January 26, 2020
Devastated. Prayers for Kobe and his family. He was the first athlete I ever wrote a letter to in hopes of him sending me an autograph back. Months later I had a Kobe card show up in the mail. First class human that impacted so many peoples lives in a positive manner.
— Alex Wood (@Awood45) January 26, 2020
Note: This article has been updated to add information about Giana Bryant and the other tragic passengers.