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Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant & His Daughter Have Died In A Helicopter Crash

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Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. His 13 year old daughter, Gianna, and seven others were on board. No one survived.

Sources report that Bryant and the seven others were on their way to a basketball game in his private helicopter when it went down. The other passengers included former head coach of the Brewster Whitecaps, his wife Keri, and daughter Alyssa.

The LA Times report that the helicopter was traveling in foggy conditions in the hills above Calabasas when it crashed and burst into flames on Sunday morning.

Calabasas residents have told the media that they heard “a failing noise” and that is was clear “something was wrong”.

Emergency services responded immediately, but LA County Sheriffs quickly announced on Twitter that all passengers were deceased.

Tributes have begun pouring in for the icon of the game, his daughter (an aspiring basketball talent in her own right) and the other passengers on board.

Amongst the tributes is Shaquille O’Neal, who has posted a photo of the two in their LA Lakers hay-days. O’Neal captioned the photo saying he is speechless over this “tragic and sad moment” and feels physically sick over losing his friend, teammate, and “brother”.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

There are no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of loosing my neice Gigi & my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie. I love you and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW !

A post shared by DR. SHAQUILLE O’NEAL Ed.D. (@shaq) on

O’Neal’s son, Shareef O’Neal, tweeted out his last text message with Bryant just before the crash.

Teams and players from across the NBA and sporting codes around the world have also paid respect to a sporting superstar. As well as the words from countless other stars that have watched, worshipped, learned, or met Bryant and his family.

Footage has emerged of current Lakers star Lebron James being visibly emotional when exiting the Lakers’ team plane after hearing about the tragedy.

Less than 24-hours prior, James had overtaken Bryant for third-place on the all-time scoring list. Bryant’s last tweet was in congratulations to The King.

NBA teams who are playing on the night of this tragedy have been taking 24-second shot-clock violations in honour of Bryant’s retired number. The Orlando Magic also paid tribute to Bryant’s earlier jersey number, with an 8-second violation during their game that evening.

Of course, Lakers fans (and fans of the NBA, widely) are heartbroken for the loss of the player affectionately known as ‘Black Mamba’. #RIPMAMBA has been trending on Twitter for hours.

Hundreds have gathered at the Staples Centre – the Lakers’ and Bryant’s homeground – chanting “Thank you, Kobe” and laying flowers and Lakers memorabilia at the gates.

It truly is a sad day. Rest in Peace, Mamba, Gianna, and all the other passengers on board.

More to come, check back for updates.

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