It has been confirmed by multiple sites including The New York Times and Guardian that legendary basketball player and Oscar Winner, Kobe Bryant has died at the age of 41 following a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Bryant is one of the nine people who died in the crash, which also includes his daughter Gianna.
It is reported that a fire broke out on the chopper which caused the unfortunate crash. Some credible sites have mentioned that eyewitnesses allegedly heard the helicopter engine faltering before the crash. However, keep in mind that officials are still investigating the actual cause of the devastating crash.
Kobe Bryant played in the NBA for more than 20 years. The man was a five-time NBA champion and a staggering 18-time All-Star selection. He is also the fourth-highest scorer in the NBA’s storied history. Bryant retired from the sport in 2016. Following his retirement, Bryant went on to win an Oscar in 2018 for Best Animated Short for his beautiful autobiographical, Dear Basketball. He is the first NBA player to ever win the award.
Michael Jordan, who’s arguably the most iconic basketballer of all time has issued a statement on Kobe Bryant’s death. Per (Guardian):
I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe – he was like a little brother to me. 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. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply – and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball. [My wife] Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world.
