Kobe Bryant Dead: Basketball Legend Dies In Helicopter Crash, Sources Say

[This article includes updated information]

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant died with eight other passengers Sunday morning in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Bryant was 41.

Bryant was headed to a youth basketball game with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

Officials have confirmed the story to numerous other outlets, including Variety, ESPN, and Yahoo Sports. The cause of the crash is also under investigation, but witnesses from near the scene told TMZ they heard the craft’s engine sputtering before it went down.

The helicopter left John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, at 9:06 a.m. PT. and was headed to Bryant's sports academy, Mamba Sports Academy, in Thousand Oaks for Gianna's game. The crash reportedly happened at 9:47 a.m.

At a press conference Sunday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva would not confirm the victims' identities pending official word from the coroner.

Often lauded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, Bryant won five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVPs, and made 18 All-Star teams during his two decades on the court. A first-round draft pick in 1996, Bryant was chosen as League MVP in 2008. Bryant also won Olympic gold twice with the U.S. Men's Basketball teams in 2008 and 2012.

Bryant drew headlines Saturday when Laker star LeBron James passed him for third on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Bryant had taken to Twitter to congratulate James on the milestone.

An outpouring of condolences immediately followed news of Bryant's death, including Twitter postings from President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama, as well as other athletes.

“Words can’t describe the pain I am feeling. I loved Kobe — he was like a little brother to me,” NBA great Michael Jordan said. “We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force.”

Bryant is survived by his wife, Vanessa, and their three daughters Natalia, Bianca and Capri.