Sources: Kobe Bryant was on his way to a travel basketball game with his daughter Gianna when the helicopter crashed. Those aboard the helicopter also included another player and parent.
Officials with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to reports of the crash near Las Virgenes Rd and Willow Glen St in Calabasas at around 10am Sunday (local time) after a fire broke out.
The cause of the crash is under investigation. It is unclear where the chopper departed from or where it was headed when it went down.
The sporting world is stunned at Kobe Bryant's death.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar, 41, is a father of four.
Bryant's wife Vanessa was not on board, reports say.
The pair have four daughters: Gianna (known as Gigi), Natalia, Bianca and Capri. Capri is the youngest of the four and was born in June last year.
Bryant's wife Vanessa was not believed to be on the helicopter. Photo / Getty Images
Bryant is one of the most famous players to ever step foot on a basketball court. He has scored the fourth-most points of anyone in the league's history, being surpassed just last week by fellow superstar LeBron James.
Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in #Calabasas helicopter crash. #LASD#Malibu deputies remain with #LA County Fire personnel. Investigation ongoing.
