Today, TMZ announced the news that NBA legend Kobe Bryant had passed away in a helicopter crash.
The former professional basketball player died on Sunday morning in a helicopter incident in Calabasas, Los Angeles.
Bryant was travelling with at least 3 other people when the private helicopter began to go down. A fire broke out on board and emergency services were called but nobody survived. 5 individuals are currently confirmed dead.
The 41-year old is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA players of all time. Kobe made the 18 All-star team in 1996 and accomplished five NBA championships wins during his 20-year career. He also accomplished 2 NBA Finals MVPs and was the league MVP in 2008.
The basketball player lead the league in scoring for two seasons and was on all 15 All-NBA teams and 13 All-Defensive Teams. He ranked fourth in the NBA for all-time postseason scoring and all-time regular-season scoring.
The veteran athlete was a frequent flyer and used the helicopter for many years, dating back to his time in the Lakers. Kobe would use his helicopter to commute from Newport Beach in California to the Staples Center in his Sikorsky S-76 chopper.
Eyewitness accounts report the helicopter engine sputtering before it crashed. The tragic event is currently under investigation.
His wife Vanessa Bryant and four daughters, Gianna, Natalia, Bianca and Capri were reportedly not on the helicopter.
Kobe was a superstar who was also celebrated outside of the basketball industry. In 2018, he won an Oscar award for his short film “Dear Basketball.” He also established Kobe Inc. to own and grow brands in the sports industry which was valued at approximately $200 million in August 2018.
His other endeavours include a venture capitalist firm, philanthropy work and his own book: The Mamba Mentality: How I Play.
The MMA community reacted to the tragic news including UFC president Dana White, Michael Bisping and Jorge Masvidal. See their reactions below:
A million apologies and condolences we just lost a super athlete #ripKobe
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) January 26, 2020
I am beyond sorry for the loss of Kobe Bryant and all fellow passengers on that fateful flight. He left a legacy few can hold a candle to. Remember, tomorrow is not guaranteed, LIVE YOUR FUCKING LIFE!!!
— michael (@bisping) January 26, 2020
Bruh wtf !?!?!!?!!??!!!
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) January 26, 2020
Wow 😳…. Life is precious. RIP Legend https://t.co/IsDhikzNqo
— Randy Costa (@RandyCosta135) January 26, 2020
Feeling speechless right now. This hurts. RIP #kobebryant and all family and others involved. 🙏🏼🙏🏼😢 @ Los Angeles, California https://t.co/7tyN4xAg30
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) January 26, 2020
RIP to a real leader and motivator #KobeBryant #8 #24 pic.twitter.com/QlP2F7cVkx
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) January 26, 2020
Horrible!!!! RIP my man 😞🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/anrin1KfWZ
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 26, 2020
Terribly sad 😭
RIP to a legend who meant so much to so many. You will be remembered forever as the champion you are.🙏 pic.twitter.com/xRVuSf157X— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) January 26, 2020
RIP 😔 pic.twitter.com/2WltryiF2W
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 26, 2020
OMG KOBE !!! 💔
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) January 26, 2020
Just landed … Heartbreaking news. Rest In Peace to an absolute legend.
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe. Tragic. In absolute shock.
— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) January 26, 2020
😭😭😭😭😭 R.I.P. https://t.co/k6CY8stjED
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) January 26, 2020
😔
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) January 26, 2020
No way. So sad 🙏🏼 https://t.co/xZNIXCg4c1
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) January 26, 2020
What a man !! #ripkobe https://t.co/rTdArzNdjJ
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) January 26, 2020
Wow I can’t believe the news on Kobe right now💔💔💔
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) January 26, 2020
Damn RIP Kobe. That meme with him talking to his duaghter at the game hit hard man 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) January 26, 2020
Please let this not be true!!! https://t.co/8slY0az1n3
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) January 26, 2020
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) January 26, 2020
Can’t believe what I just heard. My heart is broken. God bless his family. @kobebryant
— glover teixeira (@gloverteixeira) January 26, 2020
This is absolutely terrible. Breaks my heart. https://t.co/bkaeGHHUm6
— Zak Cummings (@ZakCummings) January 26, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bryant family at this time. RIP Kobe.