In an absolutely devastating development, TMZ Sports is reporting that Lakers great and Lower Merion graduate Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, CA:

Kobe Bryant died in a helicoper crash in Calabasas Sunday morning … TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Kobe was traveling with at least 3 other people in his private helicopter when it went down. A fire broke out. Emergency personnel responded, but nobody on board survived. 5 people are confirmed dead. We’re told Vanessa Bryant was not among those on board.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Another level of confirmation came via ABC 7 Eyewitness News’ Sports Anchor & Reporter Curt Sandoval:

We’ll have more on this story as details emerge. If true, our thoughts and prayers are with the Bryant family and all those impacted by the reported loss of multiple passengers on board.

 

Update 1: Woj confirming the report:

Update 2: There are conflicting reports out there right regarding who was in the helicopter with Bryant. ABC reporter Matt Gutman originally said his four daughters were with him, but no other outlets are reporting similar news.

This was what was said on air:

https://twitter.com/RapDailyx/status/1221531606252511235?s=20

EDIT – that above tweet was deleted and ABC has corrected the report:

Also:

Update 3: TMZ is now reporting that one of his daughters was on the helicopter:

Kobe and his daughter, just this season:

https://twitter.com/joonlee/status/1221523573832945664

TMZ reporting that Kobe and his daughter were on the way to his Mama Center for a basketball tournament.

UPDATE 4: Makeshift memorial outside the Staples Center, where the Grammy’s are being held tonight:

UPDATE 5:

UPDATE 6:

UPDATE 7:

UPDATE 8:

UPDATE 9: Raptors and Spurs each took 24-second shot clock violations at start of their game:

UPDATE 10: