US basketball legend Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California, along with his daughter Gianna and 7 others.

41 year old Bryant was travelling in a private helicopter when it crashed and burst into flames.

The LA County Sheriff believe there were nine people on board: the pilot and eight passengers.

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The scene of the helicopter crash.[Photo:LA County Sheriff's Department]

The five-time NBA champion was widely considered one of the greatest players in the game's history.

Tributes from celebrities and fellow sports stars have been pouring in, many expressing shock at his sudden death.

Eyewitnesses also told TMZ that they heard the helicopter's engine sputtering before it went down. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Kobe has famously used a helicopter to travel for years -- dating back to when he played for the Lakers.

Kobe is widely considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time -- making 18 All-Star teams during his 20 year career with the Lakers. He was a first-round pick in the 1996 draft, winning 5 NBA championships, 2 NBA Finals MVPs and he was the league MVP in '08.

The Lakers famously retired both of Kobe's jerseys, number 8 and 24 ... the only player in team history to receive that honor.

Kobe's accomplishments stand far outside of the basketball world. He won an Oscar for his short film, "Dear Basketball," in 2018.

[Source:BBC]