Tragic Accident Kills NBA Star Kobe Bryant & 13-Year-Old Daughter

• 9 confirmed dead in Calabasas helicopter crash.
• NBA legend Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna among the victims.
• Fire from crash ignites a quarter-acre bush fire.
• Heartfelt condolences from the many touched by the retired Lakers star.

News from Los Angeles is circulating around the world of a disastrous helicopter crash that has taken the lives of nine people, including NBA star Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

On Sunday morning around 10am a Sikorsky S-76B  helicopter carrying 9 people tragically crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California killing all on board including the pilot, as reported by Los Angeles County sheriff Alex Villanueva.

Responders at the scene were slowed down by a quarter-acre blaze that was ignited from the crash site. Heavy fog was present over the area throughout the morning of the crash grounding other flights, however the exact cause of the crash is still unknown. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash and will be assisted by the FBI in its inquiries.

More information is expected as the investigation unfolds.

This devastating tragedy has shocked the world, with a cascade of heartfelt condolences being expressed to Bryant’s family and his wife Vanessa as well as the families of the seven other victims.