Legendary NBA star Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning and as news broke of his tragic death fans were so shocked that many refused to believe that #24 is gone.
The crash occurred Sunday morning in Calabasas. The Bryant was reportedly riding in his private helicopter with multiple passengers when the aircraft struck a mountainside and burst into flames. The fire ignited a small brushfire nearby, which made it difficult for emergency responders to get to the downed helicopter, according to the L.A. Times.
The L.A. County Sheriff is confirming that multiple fatalities occurred, but TMZ is reporting that one of the dead is Kobe Bryant, who regularly used a private helicopter for travel around Los Angeles.
“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,” a notice from officials read.
It’s unclear who else was killed in the crash, but TMZ is reporting that Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, was not one of the victims.
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
In the wake of Kobe’s death, everyone has been running to social media to express disbelief and heartbreak.
UFC commissioner Dana White wrote, “Horrible!!!! RIP my man.”
Vanessa Hudgens commented, “Fuccccccck. If I what I see is true, I’m. So. Sad. Our black mamba went down in a helicopter and lost his life today. I’m devastated. Cryyyying. Sending so much love to vanessa and the kids.”
“This can’t be true,” one fan begged on Twitter, while another wrote, “Bro I’m literally wrecked Kobe Bryant was my fucking childhood bro I swear to god I wouldn’t even think of liking sports if it wasn’t for him oh my god bro.”
BREAKING: Video from the scene of the helicopter crash which killed Kobe Bryant. Reports that 3 other people died in the crash.#kobebryant
pic.twitter.com/IcZVk6hdlH— Global News Network (@GlobalNews77) January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant could not have known what was to come of his life, but his last Instagram post almost served as passing of the torch to LeBron James, as the star praised LeBron for all he’s done and all that he will do.
“On to #2 @kingjames! Keep growing the game and charting the path for the next.”
The comments from Kobe came after LeBron surpassed Kobe’s record and became third on the all-time scoring list of NBA stars. The words were heartfelt and honest, but Kobe could not have known they would be some of his last.
R.I.P.
