![Kobe Bryant Dead Following Helicopter Crash](https://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2020/01/GettyImages-1168426447-e1580068651476.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Kobe Bryant Dead Following Helicopter Crash
Basketball superstar Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash on Sunday (Jan. 26).
The NBA icon passed away in Calabasas, California on Sunday morning. TMZ broke the story first, while ABC7 sports anchor and reporter Curt Sandoval confirmed his death on Twitter. CNN also confirmed the news.
"Kobe was traveling with at least 3 other people in his private helicopter when it went down," TMZ first reported. An apparent fire broke out and when emergency services arrived, all passengers were already dead.
Nine people are confirmed dead from the crash, including Bryant and the pilot. TMZ also reports that one of Bryant's daughters, 13-year-old Gianna "GiGi" Marie Onore, had been on board as well and is also dead.
His wife Vanessa Bryant was reportedly not on board.
Kobe and Vanessa shared four daughters: Gianna, Natalia, Bianca and Capri. Capri was born in June 2019.
Kobe's historic basketball career earned his jersey numbers, 8 and 24, to be retired by the Lakers, making him the only player in history to hold that honor.
Stars We Lost in 2019
More From SoJO 104.9 FM
![Vanessa Bryant Shares Touching Letter From Gianna’s Friend on Anniversary of Gianna and Kobe’s Death](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2021/01/kobegianna.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Google Reveals 2020’s Most Searched Celebrities, Musicians and More](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2020/12/shakira-google-e1607543102939.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Vanessa Bryant Reportedly Seeking ‘Hundreds of Millions’ in Wrongful Death Lawsuit](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2020/06/vanessa-kobe-bryant.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Vanessa Bryant Slams Sheriff’s Deputies for Sharing Crash Scene Photos](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2020/03/GettyImages-1208419822-e1583079056924.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Kobe Bryant Bought Wife Vanessa the Dress From ‘The Notebook’](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2020/02/GettyImages-927429148-e1582589511430.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Kobe Bryant’s Last Human Act on Earth Is Gut-Wrenching](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2020/02/kobe-bryant1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Vanessa Bryant Delivers Heartbreaking Speech at Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s Memorial Service](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2020/02/vanessa-bryant.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Beyoncé Performs Kobe Bryant’s ‘Favorite’ Song at Public Memorial](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2020/02/beyonce-kobe-memorial.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Kobe Bryant’s Memorial: How to Watch](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2020/02/kobe-bryant.jpg?w=980&q=75)