Kobe Bryant killed

Stuff reports:

Kobe Bryant, the legendary basketball star who spent 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, was killed Monday (NZT) when the helicopter he was travelling in crashed and burst into flames in the US.

Bryant, 41, was travelling in his private helicopter when it went down amid foggy conditions in the hills above Calabasas, Los Angeles.

Los Angeles County Sheriffs confirmed five people had died in the helicopter crash, which was about 48 kilometres northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna was also on board the helicopter, according to TMZ and ESPN. Bryant’s wife Vanessa was not among those aboard the chopper. The couple had four daughters together.

Kobe Bryant must be one of the well known sportspersons around. One of the best basketball players of all time. Such a sad loss.