NBA Legend Kobe Bryant Alongside Daughter Gianna, 13, Die in Helicopter Crash

Jan 27, 2020 by apost team

Basketball Star and Legend Kobe Bryant, 41, along with his daughter Gianna, 13 died in a devastating helicopter crash earlier today evening. 

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the basketball star was traveling on an S-76 helicopter Sunday morning when it crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California, as per the Washington Post. 

Bryant was traveling with his 13-year-old daughter Giana “GiGi” Bryant,  another six passengers, and a pilot. There were no survivors.

apost.com

TMZ reports the group was en route to Mamba Academy near Thousand Oaks, California, for basketball practice when the helicopter crashed. 

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by local authorities, but eyewitnesses tell TMZ they “heard the helicopter's engine sputtering” before it crashed. 

“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning,” Adam Silver, Commissioner for NBA, said in a statement acquired by Washington Post. 

“He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary. […] He will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.”

Other prominent figures have also come forward to pay their respects to Bryant, including former President of the United States Barack Obama.

"Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act," Obama said.

"To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day."

A memorial for Bryant has since been erected outside of the Staples Center, where the star played for many years.

He is survived by his wife Vanessa, whom he married in 2001, and their other three daughters. 

Our deepest condolences go out to the Bryant family. Make sure you pass this along to your friends and family.