Kobe Bryant 41, dies in helicopter crash

In an announcement met with shock internationally by sports enthusiasts, Legendary former Los Angeles shooting Guard Kobe Bryant has been declared dead as a result of a Sunday Morning helicopter crash, while reportedly en route to his daughters basketball game.

The accident, which occurred in the community of Calabasas, claimed the lives of 9 passengers, including the 13 year old daughter of the basketball phenom, Gianna Byrant, Orange Coast College (OCC) baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and daughter, Alyssa Altobelli, teammate to Gianna Bryant at Mamba Academy.

Audio between the pilots of helicopter Kobe’s Sikorsky S-76 helicopter, which had the tail number N72EX, and air traffic control reveals he was told he was flying too low, with air traffic controllers attempting to guide the helicopter, but losing contact moments before its fatal fall.

The helicopter plunged into a rugged hillside with an impact that scattered debris over an area the size of a football field and killed everyone aboard.

Commentator Joseph Reds Perrera weighed in on the impact of the late Byrant on the world of sport.

Meanwhile Tributes to the retired basketballer who was 41 at the time of his death, poured in from around the world, from fans and friends alike.

One of the more bittersweet stories emerging in the wake of his death is that of nephew to the late star Shareef O’Neal – son of Kobe Bryant’s long-time teammate Shaquille O’Neal – in which he recounts missing a message from the man he affectionately referred to as Unc, on the morning of the crash.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued an official statement following the death of NBA and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, noting “The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.

“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning.  He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary:  five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals.  But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability.  He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”.

Kobe Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa Bryant and daughters Natalia who turned 17 last week, Bianka age 3 and Capri who was born in July 2019.