TMZ Sports has confirmed that Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, along with 4 other people.
It’s believed that Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, was not on board. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
UPDATED 2:49PM/CST: According to TMZ, Kobe’s daughter Gianna Maria was also on board the helicopter and died in the crash
#BREAKING: Kobe's daughter Gianna Maria was also on board the helicopter and died in the crash https://t.co/1n7U8bvqhI
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 26, 2020
ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed the news via Twitter.
“Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.”
Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
2:06 PM/CST: ESPN have officially confirmed the news.
Kobe Bryant was killed Sunday in a helicopter crash, as first reported by TMZ and confirmed by @wojespn.
— ESPN (@espn) January 26, 2020
He was 41. pic.twitter.com/jt4ccu2Rw4
The Los Angeles Times reports that the commander for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said that the crash occurred shortly before 10AM south of Agoura Road, near Las Virgenes Road.
This story is still developing. We will update as more information is provided.