NBA legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Sunday. The former Los Angeles Laker, nicknamed Black Mamba, was 41.
His 13-year-old daughter Gianna was reportedly among the helicopters other four passengers, who were all confirmed dead. The identities of the other crash victims have not yet been confirmed.
In a statement , the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed a S-76 helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances. The FAA said it will investigate the crash, as will the National Transportation Safety Board.
Bryant, who was married to wife Vanessa for more than 18 years, was the father of four daughters.
A spokesperson for Bryant did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.
Bryant entered the league in 1996 right after he graduated from high school and played for the Lakers for 20 seasons. He was a five-time NBA champion, helping the Lakers win titles in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010.
The 18-time NBA All-Star was named league MVP in 2008. He also won two Olympic gold medals for mens basketball.
The basketball star, who retired from the Lakers in 2016, ranks at No. 4 on the NBAs all-time points leaders, with 33,643 points . Bryant tweeted his congratulations to Laker LeBron James on Saturday, after James total points passed Bryants, putting James in the No. 3 spot. It was Bryants last tweet.
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother #33644
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Much respect my brother #33644
Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
In 2018, Bryant became the first NBA player in history to win an Academy Award for his animated short Dear Basketball.