Former Los Angeles Lakers basketball star, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna are among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California.
Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna Maria, 13, was travelling in a private helicopter when it came down and burst into flames.
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It is believed they were on their way to the Mamba Academy for a basketball practice when the crash occurred in Calabasas, near central Los Angeles.
The cause of the crash is said to be under investigation. According to eye witness report, the helicopter’s engine could be heard sputtering before it went crashed.
Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, also known as GiGi, was a talented youth basketball player who regularly attended LA Lakers games with her father.
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His wife Vanessa is not believed to have been involved in the accident.
The pair share three other daughters, Natalia and Bianca and their newborn Capri.
Bryant up until his death, was the winner of 5 NBA championships and 18 All-Star titles before he retired in 2016.
