A Sikorsky S-76 crashed near Calabasas, Calif. this morning, Sunday, January 26, 2020 killing all aboard including basketball great Kobe Bryant. The Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB will be investigating. Calabasas is located northwest of Los Angeles, Calif.
Early reports simply said the tail number matched a helicopter Bryant owned and was painted with his logo. Later, the horrific news that Bryant was onboard was confirmed. It has also been reported that Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter was also onboard.
Athletes, celebrities and elected officials have been commenting on the tragic loss of the multi-talented star. Twitter blew up with tributes after the LA County Sherrif’s department posted this: “Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in #Calabasas helicopter crash. #LASD #Malibu deputies remain with #LA County Fire personnel. Investigation ongoing.” President Trump called the death of Kobe Bryant “terrible news” in a tweet. Los Angeles mayor on Bryant: “This is a moment that leaves us struggling to find words.”
Bryant was 41 and had retired from basketball three years earlier.