According to a report from TMZ and some other sources, Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash today in California.
Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in #Calabasas helicopter crash. #LASD #Malibu deputies remain with #LA County Fire personnel. Investigation ongoing.
Avoid the area until further notice.
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) January 26, 2020
Via TMZ:
Kobe Bryant died in a helicoper crash in Calabasas Sunday morning … TMZ Sports has confirmed.
Kobe was traveling with at least 3 other peo4ple in his private helicopter when it went down. A fire broke out. Emergency personnel responded, but nobody on board survived. 5 people are confirmed dead. We’re told Vanessa Bryant was not among those on board. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Kobe has famously used a helicopter to travel for years — dating back to when he played for the Lakers. He was known for commuting from Newport Beach, CA to the STAPLES Center in DTLA in his Sikorsky S-76 chopper.
This is horrible.
UPDATE: It’s now been confirmed.
Bryant was 41 years old.
UPDATE, 5:53 PM: Bryant’s daughter and seven other people were killed in the crash, according to officials.
BREAKING:
Sheriff Alex Villanueva says 9 people were on board the helicopter that crashed, killing Kobe Bryant and his daughter. All 9 people were killed. @ABC7— Jory Rand (@ABC7Jory) January 26, 2020
About Jay Rigdon
Jay is a columnist at Awful Announcing. He is not a strong swimmer. He is probably talking to a dog in a silly voice at this very moment.