![BREAKING: NBA Superstar Kobe Bryant Dies in Helicopter Crash [UPDATE]](https://townsquare.media/site/71/files/2020/01/Kobe-Bryant-Getty.jpg?w=980&q=75)
BREAKING: NBA Superstar Kobe Bryant Dies in Helicopter Crash [UPDATE]
UPDATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 26TH AT 3:03 P.M. CENTRAL
TMZ Sports reports, citing "reps for Kobe" as their source, that Bryant's 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was also one of the five who died in the crash
ORIGINAL STORY
TMZ Sports reports that former Los Angeles Laker great, Kobe Bryant, was one of five individuals who died after a helicopter they were riding in early Sunday crashed in Calabasas, Californina.
The report states witnesses heard the engine sputtering as it flew overhead before it went down. A fire broke out after the crash, but first responders were unable to save anyone on board.
Drafted by the Lakers straight out of high school, Bryant played his entire 20 year career in Los Angeles, and according to the report, travelled by helicopter on a regular basis. TMZ also states his wife, Vanessa, was not on board.
The 18 time NBA All-Star fell to fourth on the NBA's all time scoring list after being surpassed by Lebron James Saturday night. A feat he acknowledged on Twitter later that night.
He leaves behind his wife Vanessa, and four daughters, Gianna, Natalia and Bianca and their newborn Capri.
Investigators are still looking into what caused the crash, and the identities of the others on board have not been released at this time.
ABC News is sharing live video of the story through their Twitter account.
![WKDQ-FM logo](https://townsquare.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/WKDQFM.png?w=100)
[Source: TMZ Sports]
More From WKDQ-FM
![Kentucky Destination Among Best Kayaking Spots in the Midwest](http://townsquare.media/site/71/files/2024/07/attachment-Kayaking.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Brickyard 400 Celebrates 30th Anniversary with 70k Fans](http://townsquare.media/site/71/files/2024/07/attachment-Brickyard-400-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Brickyard 400 Returns to Indianapolis Oval for 30th Anniversary](http://townsquare.media/site/71/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-1173214001.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Indiana DNR Accepting Applications for Shooting Range Grants](http://townsquare.media/site/71/files/2024/07/attachment-Gun-Range.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Useful Car Gaget We Use Everyday Was Invented in Indiana](http://townsquare.media/site/71/files/2024/07/attachment-Indiana-Rearview.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![‘A League of Their Own’ Actress to Make Stop in Dubois County](http://townsquare.media/site/71/files/2024/06/attachment-GettyImages-1413013639.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![CONFIRMED: Indiana’s Chase Briscoe to Join Joe Gibbs Racing in 2025](http://townsquare.media/site/71/files/2024/06/attachment-GettyImages-1484596830.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Indianapolis Could Host 2025 Royal Rumble, Future WrestleMania and SummerSlam](http://townsquare.media/site/71/files/2024/06/attachment-Indianapolis-WWE.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![LOOK: Popular Fast Food Mascot Makes NASCAR Appearence](http://townsquare.media/site/71/files/2024/06/attachment-CAR.jpg?w=980&q=75)