Roommates we are sending our deepest prayers and condolences to the loved ones of Kobe Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. In tragic news, it has been confirmed that the basketball legend and his daughter were among the five victims that were confirmed deceased following a helicopter crash Sunday morning.
According to TMZ, the crash took place in Calabasas, the official cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Eyewitnesses told the site that they heard the engine sputtering before it went down.
Kobe has been known to travel by helicopter for years, he would travel from Newport Beach, CA to the Staples Center in DTLA in his Sikorsky S-76 chopper.
Following the news that Kobe was one of the victims in the crash, reps for Kobe confirmed to TMZ Sports that Gianna was also on board. They were reportedly heading to Mamba Academy for a basketball practice when the crash occurred. Multiple news outlets have also reported that one of Gianna’s teammates and the teammate’s parents were also among the victims in the crash, as well as the pilot of the helicopter.
Many fans and peers have been expressing their heartbreak following the tragic news.
Shaquille O’ Neal, who was one of his longtime teammates during his 20-year career with the Lakers, expressed his disbelief.
He said, “There are no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of losing my niece Gigi & my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie. I love you and you will be missed. My condolences go out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW!”
Kobe is survived by his wife Vanessa and their daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri.
Roommates, please keep the Bryant family lifted in prayer.
