Sport

US: LA Lakers basketball legend Kobe Bryant dies in helicopter crash

US NBA basketball legend Kobe Bryant has been killed in a helicopter crash in California, according to US media reports.

the LA Lakers icon was travelling with four others in a private aircraft when it came down in Calabasas near Los Angeles, California, US.

He was 41.

Bryant was among at least four people travelling in his private helicopter over Calabasas when a fire broke out, sending the chopper spiralling from the sky, according to TMZ Sports.  The report goes on to say that the helicopter went up in a ball of fire after hitting the ground.

Sources say among the 5 people killed was Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

Eyewitnesses told celebrity news site TMZ they heard the helicopter’s engine sputtering before it went down.

There were no survivors

Share
Published by
Takunda Shumba

Recent Posts

Kaze Calls for Calm as Chiefs’ Losing Run Continues

Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze has urged patience and composure after the club’s poor run… Read More

5th March 2026

Two Kaizer Chiefs players injured

Kaizer Chiefs have suffered a major setback with two experienced players injured. Both Brandon Petersen… Read More

5th March 2026

Stanley Nwabali Linked With Kaizer Chiefs After Chippa United Exit

Premier Soccer League giants Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly set their sights on Nigeria international goalkeeper… Read More

3rd March 2026

Kaizer Chiefs hit by setbacks as Pirates dominate Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs’ preparations for the Soweto Derby were severely disrupted before kick-off, a reality that… Read More

1st March 2026

Kaizer Chiefs secure narrow win over ZESCO United to strengthen Confederation Cup push

Kaizer Chiefs registered a second successive victory in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages after… Read More

2nd February 2026

EV CARS 247: Connecting Africa’s EV Car Buyers, Exporters, and Dealers in One Automotive Network

Across Africa, vehicle buyers and importers are discovering a new way to connect — through … Read More

2nd February 2026