Kobe Bryant And 13-Year-Old Daughter Die In Helicopter Crash
A tragic and shocking morning for a loving wife and mother, precious daughters, and sports fans everywhere.
UPDATE: TMZ has reported that Kobe's 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Maria, was also on board and died in the crash.
This morning, TMZ reported that 41-year-old basketball legend Kobe Bryant died when the helicopter he was traveling in crashed and burst into flames in the fog-ridden hills of Calabasas, California. He was traveling with at least three other people. Five are confirmed dead. The cause of the crash is currently unknown.
Kobe had been married to his wife Vanessa since 2001. They have four daughters, including a newborn.
Kobe and Vanessa met in 1999 and married on April 18, 2001, at St. Edward Roman Catholic Church in Dana Point, California.
Kobe was the only basketball player in history to have both of his jerseys, numbers 8 and 24, retired by the Los Angeles Lakers. He was an Academy Award Winner for producing the short film Dear Basketball.
While the sports world is in shock, I can't stop thinking about what his wife and kids must be feeling right now. How do you tell your children that their father and sister are dead? I cried looking at his Instagram. Christmas cards, holding his newborn, birthday posts with Gigi.
He was, without doubt, one of the greatest players to ever live. And she had her entire life ahead of her.
May they rest in peace.
This is a developing story.