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Former Lakers superstar, father, husband and global icon, Kobe Bryant, died in a helicopter accident on Sunday afternoon. TMZ confirmed tragic news. He was 41.
“Kobe was traveling with at least 3 other people 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,” TMZ reported.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed the report.
Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
Bryant changed the game of basketball. It wasn’t just basketball that Kobe impacted. It was the world. He was an icon for the betterment of both men’s and women’s basketball and will remain one of the best to ever play the game.
This comes just a day after LeBron James passed Bryant on the all-time leading scoring list. James called Bryant an inspiration when talking about the situation. Kobe, just about 16 hours ago, showed some love to King James.
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
The Black Mamba, as he’s also known, will have his legendary transcend time. He will forever be remember not only for what he did for the Lakers organization but the happiness and hope he brought to many people.
This is a tragic situation, and the entire basketball community will be mourning the loss of a true legend.