Yahoo News Basketball legend Kobe Bryant has been killed in a helicopter crash
American basketball legend Kobe Bryant has been killed in a helicopter crash in California.
Bryant, 41, was on board a private helicopter when it crashed and burst into flames, US media reports suggest. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna was also killed in the crash.
Nine people, including the pilot, were on board the aircraft, according to the LA County Sheriff's department. There are not thought to have been any survivors, and investigations into the crash are underway.
A five-time NBA champion, Bryant was widely considered to be one of basketball's greatest ever players.
He spent the entirety of his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, retiring in 2016.
The NBA's commissioner Adam Silver said: "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.
Related: Paying tribute to the stars we've lost in 2020 - in memoriam
"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."
In 2018, Bryant won an Oscar for Dear Basketball – a five-minute animated short film based on a love letter to the sport he had written three years prior.
The Academy were also among those paying tribute to Bryant on Sunday.
They doubted a kid could make it in the NBA and he proved them wrong.
They doubted he could win a championship and he proved them wrong.
They doubted he could make movies and he won an Oscar.
Like all great artists, Kobe Bryant proved the doubters wrong.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/1fYnKHbnt7— The Academy (@TheAcademy) January 26, 2020
The 62nd Grammy Awards – which were getting underway as news of his death broke – opened its pre-telecast ceremony with a moment of silence. Host Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men opened the televised show with a tribute to Bryant.
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