N.B.A. Star Kobe Bryant Dies in California Helicopter Crash - The New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/26/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-dead.html#click=https://t.co/alfUjQNYMs

N.B.A. Star Kobe Bryant Dies in California Helicopter Crash

By Alan Blinder, Kevin Draper and Elena Bergeron

Published Jan. 26, 2020

The retired N.B.A. star, 41, and his daughter Gianna were among nine people in a helicopter that crashed near Calabasas, Calif. A college baseball coach and his wife and daughter were also killed.

• Updated Jan. 27, 2020

Pilot Was Trying to Fly Higher Before Crash That Killed Kobe Bryant

Bryant, 41, was traveling with his 13-year-old daughter to his youth basketball academy when they and seven other people perished in the crash. The helicopter had been given special approval to fly around Burbank in foggy weather.

Jan. 27, 2020

-1:53

transcript

The retired N.B.A. star, 41, was among the passengers in a helicopter that went down in Calabasas, Calif.

"We're all feeling crazy sadness right now because earlier today Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero, and we're literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built." "Tonight is for Kobe —" [singing] "Kobe, my thoughts are with you. Absolutely rest in peace, young man — this loss is, it's just hard to comprehend." "He was just such a wonderful kid. But more than that, has turned into a wonderful adult man." "Everything I do, I do it for him, obviously — really close friend, and this season's for him." Crowd: "Kobe, Kobe, Kobe, Kobe, Kobe, Kobe." Announcer: "The N.B.A and the game of basketball will mourn this loss together. Please join us in a moment of silence for Kobe Bryant. Rest in peace, Mamba."

1:52

Fans and Friends Mourn Kobe Bryant After Helicopter Crash

The retired N.B.A. star, 41, was among the passengers in a helicopter that went down in Calabasas, Calif.Hannah Yoon for The New York Times

Here's what we know so far about the crash.

The retired Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash near Calabasas, Calif., on Sunday.

Bryant was among the passengers traveling onboard the helicopter. Nine people died in the crash, including the pilot, said Alex Villanueva, the Los Angeles County sheriff, during a news conference.