Kobe Bryant dead in helicopter accident
Basketball great Kobe Bryant has died in a tragic helicopter accident, along with everyone on board, TMZ was first to report. The 41-year old NBA star played with the LA Lakers for two decades. He retired in 2016.
“Kobe was traveling with at least 3 other people in his private helicopter when it went down,” TMZ adds. “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 LA County Sheriff’s Office posted this tweet, but did not include Bryant’s name.
Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in #Calabasas helicopter crash. #LASD #Malibu deputies remain with #LA… https://t.co/bMxFKnrFjt— LA County Sheriffs (@LA County Sheriffs)1580066704.0
In 2013 after his own missteps Bryant stepped up to correct a fan for using the word “gay” as a slur. Nearly seven years ago, it was a big moment for awareness and for the LGBTQ community.
Just letting you know@PacSmoove @pookeo9 that using "your gay" as a way to put someone down ain't ok! #notcool delete that out ur vocab— Kobe Bryant (@Kobe Bryant)1360543463.0
Friends, colleagues, celebrities, and others shared their sorrows on social media.
There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother… https://t.co/aFAvD7oD7w— SHAQ (@SHAQ)1580075169.0
Kobe and I shared so many special conversations about life and basketball. We had so much in common off the court.… https://t.co/Zbl6ItzuDY— Earvin Magic Johnson (@Earvin Magic Johnson)1580077829.0
.@lizzo dedicated tonight's #Grammys to Kobe Bryant, and then kicked off the show with a powerhouse performance. https://t.co/lYEzjUVeOl— Entertainment Weekly (@Entertainment Weekly)1580087316.0
That was a beautiful opening to the @RecordingAcad @TheAwards2020 @aliciakeys @lizzo and @BoyzIIMen made me cry!!!!… https://t.co/j0GReDf09m— P!nk (@P!nk)1580087890.0
It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Kobe Bryant and four others in a helicopter crash in Calabas… https://t.co/RK5cNO87az— City of Calabasas (@City of Calabasas)1580069365.0
Lights for a legend. Los Angeles City Hall lit in purple and gold starting at 8:24 p.m. this evening in honor of K… https://t.co/owpO1p6Wnv— MayorOfLA (@MayorOfLA)1580100591.0
Fans gathered at the Lakers practice facility for a candlelight vigil and wrote words on a memorial wall honoring K… https://t.co/FQGuwiESt6— ESPN (@ESPN)1580106129.0
My heart is so heavy. No one should ever experience what the families involved are going through. This has affected… https://t.co/YEKR9Dgngd— Kim Kardashian West (@Kim Kardashian West)1580084210.0
I'm so sad and stunned right now. In Staples Arena, where Kobe created so many memories for all of us, preparing to… https://t.co/wDqvVbaqSL— John Legend (@John Legend)1580071133.0
Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.— Ellen DeGeneres (@Ellen DeGeneres)1580070067.0
I am completely speechless and devastated at the unexpected passing of my dear friend, @kobebryant. Kobe had a big… https://t.co/zF5FOflYqY— Paula Abdul (@Paula Abdul)1580069920.0
“heroes come and go, but legends are forever” - Kobe Bryant ❤️ https://t.co/KOYTp5CVNo— The Weeknd (@The Weeknd)1580083683.0
