BREAKING: Kobe Bryant, His Daughter, and Several Others Have Died in Tragic Helicopter Crash

Kobe Bryant passed away on Sunday morning in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Bryant was apparently in his private helicopter with several other people when it crashed. Kobe Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna was also on board the helicopter.

It was originally reported by TMZ four total people had been killed in the crash. It was then reported by the Associated Press and TMZ that five people were believed to have been killed.

Authorities have now increased that count, saying that the crash ultimately killed nine people.

Emergency personnel responded after a fire broke out in the brush around the aircraft. It was initially unknown that the fire was caused by the aircraft. That fire also slowed recovery efforts for emergency personnel.

No one on board the helicopter survived, according to the Associated Press.

WATCH: Tribute to NBA Legend Kobe Bryant

#Basketball #Kobe #LakeShow #Lakers #NBA #NBANews #NBATwitter #News #Sports https://t.co/gzRGAl49c4

— Midwest Sports Network (@MWSNsports) January 26, 2020

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement that the “NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing” of Bryant and his daughter. He then offered condolences to Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, and their family.

“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning,” Silver’s statement read. “He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals. But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.”

#Update Downed aircraft is a helicopter. Flames extinguished. #Malibu deputies at crash site looking for survivors, 4200 blk Las Virgenes Rd #Calabasas #LASD pic.twitter.com/eixLhGhLyE

— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) January 26, 2020

Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa and three of his daughters. The two had four daughters: Gianna, Natalia and Bianca and newborn Capri. Kobe is widely considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time.

He was named to 18 NBA All-Star teams during his 20 year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant was a first-round pick in the 1996 NBA draft. In total he won five championships, two Finals MVPs and he was the league MVP in 2008.

Bryant was 41-years-old.