BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter were killed in helicopter crash

IT has been confirmed that Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter were killed in the helicopter crash along with three others.

Kobe and Gianna, whom he also called Gigi, were on their way to his Mamba Academy for basketball practice when their helicopter plummeted in the Thousand Oaks area. Gianna was also a promising player. 

It was also recently reported that after his retirement, Kobe rarely watched NBA games, however his daughter Gianna had changed that. This season, they would watch the NBA League Pass nearly every single night because of their shared love for the game. 

The Philadelphia native spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships and 18 All-Star titles before he retired in 2016.

Its been reported that Bryant was travelling with four other people in his private helicopter when it crashed, killing everyone on board.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B8odLcH_AQ

Officials responded to reports of the crash at around 10am after a fire broke out. The crash apparently occurred behind the home of Kourtney Kardashian.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Witnesses reported hearing the helicopter’s engine sputtering before it crashed down.

President Donald Trump has tweeted: “Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!”.

Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa and their three daughters –  Natalia, Bianca and newborn Capri. 

He was the first guard in NBA history to play at least 20 seasons and was the first and only player in Lakers history to have both of his jersey numbers – 8 and 24 – retired.

https://twitter.com/SpxcimxnX/status/1221536019058700288

This is a developing story.