Kobe Bryant dies in helicopter crash: as the news broke

The investigation is underway to find out more about the cause of the crash and relatives will be being informed of the loss of their loved ones.

Crowds of people have been gathering in LA to pay their respects.

...and another of the GOATs

Another tribute, from arguably the best ever

The local officers took no questions before leaving, explaining that much was still needing looked into.

Handing over to his deputy, a big change to the reports is that there were nine fatalities rather than five. Further details on the identities were, understandably, not given.

He confirmed that all people on board were killed.

The LA County Chief has summarised the situation leading up to the crash, the call they received and that initial responders arrived to put out the fire...

After hiking and being dropped into the site, they immediately knew there were no survivors.

The press conference has just begun...

Contrary to the previous comment, and despite many people calling for them to be cancelled, it would appear that all games are going ahead.

We believe that a number of NBA games have been cancelled as a mark of respect, and will confirm which ones in a moment.

Statement from NBA

Lots of reflections on what has been lost today. This one has touched a lot of people

Images from the Staples Centre

There are NBA games going ahead tonight, but plenty of thoughts are with this tragic news. This Raptors-Spurs 24-second gesture is very moving

Another of the greats pays his respects

His club were proud of him too

We are expecting a formal  conference to be held by authorities shortly.

Update

- Eyewitnesses say that they heard the helicopter's engine sputtering before it went down

- Bryant's daughter Gianna Maria Onore (13) was also on board

- Gianna was on her way to play a game, along with a friend. Kobe and the friend's parent made up the passengers and the fifth fatality was the pilot

- Reports that the other player was another former Laker Rick Fox have been ruled to be false

A surreal video to see at the moment

From one of football's greatest ever to one of NBAs

The crash took place in Calabasas, a city in Los Angeles County, California. It sits in the hills to the west of the San Fernando Valley and northwest of Santa Monica Mountains.

Kobe Bryant transcended the world of just NBA and sport

"Real Madrid C. F. is deeply saddened by the death of Kobe Bryant, a legend of basketball and world-wide sport.
 
The club wishes to convey its condolences to his family and friends for this loss which has shocked the world of sport."

"No fuckin way!! I have turned pale !! My condolences to his family, friends, the world of basketball and sport in general! RIP Kobe"

Pau won two rings alongside Kobe and their friendship warmed Spanish hearts to the American.

NBA legend

As well as winning the NBA championship five times, Bryant was also named MVP in 2008, finals MVP twice and scoring champion twice.

He also won the Olympics with the USA on two occasions.

This beautiful family picture was posted by morning show host in the States.

News from ESPN stating that as well as his daughter, the other passengers were a player and parent.

Another legend of NBA

As you can imagine there are comments and stories surfacing by the minute so we are aiming to filter through them and bring you the latest on what is accurate and relevant.

We are still awaiting official confirmation of this news that one of his daughters was also on board.

The reactions from the sports world and beyond were quick to flood in, initially with hopes that the breaking news was a mistake.

The crash happened in Calabasas and the LA County Sheriff department were quick to confirm the tragic news, stating that there were no survivors.

Earlier today, Sunday 26 January 2020, the news broke that NBA legend Kobe Bryant had been killed along with four others in a helicopter crash.