Kobe Bryant Dies In Helicopter Crash

NBA legend Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash, multiple outlets reported on Sunday.

The former Los Angeles Laker, who was 41, was reportedly on a private helicopter in Calabasas, in Los Angeles County, with four other people.

The LA County Sheriff’s Department tweeted that five people died in a Calabasas helicopter. A spokesperson for Bryant did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.
 

Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in #Calabasas helicopter crash. #LASD #Malibu deputies remain with #LA County Fire personnel. Investigation ongoing.

Avoid the area until further notice.

— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) January 26, 2020

Bryant became the first NBA player in history to win an Academy Award for his animated short “Dear Basketball” in 2018.

He garnered backlash in 2003 after he was accused of raping a 19-year-old hotel employee in Colorado. He admitted to having a sexual encounter with the woman, but denied the accusation that it was rape. The young woman declined to testify in court, and the case was later dropped. They later settled a civil suit she filed in 2005. 

He is survived by his wife, Vanessa, and four daughters