Star Kobe dead
Five people perish including daughter Gianna
BASKETBALL legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash yesterday.
The 41-year-old was one of five people who lost their lives when his chopper came down in Calabasas, near Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff said on Twitter that five people died in the crash and there were no survivors.
The impact started a bush fire and made it difficult for rescuers to get to the wreckage, the department said.
Eyewitnesses said they heard the engine splutter before it went down.
His last social media post came just hours before his death when he congratulated LeBron James on surpassing his points total to move third in the NBA’s all-time list.
The star wrote: “Continuing to move the game forward King James. Much respect my brother.” Kobe’s daughter Gianna, 13, was believed to have been on board with her dad.
Others on the helicopter are thought to have included another player and parent. It is believed they were travelling to a basketball practice at Kobe’s Mamba Academy.
The LA Lakers legend leaves his wife Vanessa and their daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri, who was born last June.
Tributes poured in last night. Fellow LA Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal wrote: “I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW.”
Usain Bolt tweeted: “Still can’t believe @kobebryant.”
Idris Elba added: “Kobe is G. Will always be remembered. A Sad day.”
President Donald Trump tweeted: “That is terrible news!” And former President Barack Obama said: “Kobe was a legend and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family.”
The sportsman spent his 20-year NBA career at the LA Lakers, winning five league championships and breaking a host of individual records before retiring in 2016. He famously used a helicopter to travel for years. Since quitting, he has devoted his time to philanthropic causes, supporting military veterans, education and health programmes.
In 2003 he was accused of rape by a 19-year-old hotel employee. He later admitted to an extramarital encounter with his accuser but denied her sexual assault allegation. The case was dropped the following year when his accuser refused to testify at the trial.
She filed a separate civil lawsuit, which the two sides settled privately.