Kobe Bryant, 41, the legendary, NBA player died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California yesterday.
Bryant was among the passengers traveling onboard the helicopter. Nine people died in the crash, including the pilot, said Alex Villanueva, the Los Angeles County sheriff, during a news conference.
Outside the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, Calif., fans laid flowers and lit candles at an impromptu memorial for their star.
A few dozen people, adults of all ages, stood huddled in silence around the memorial of several jerseys, candles, dozens of bouquets, Sports Illustrated magazines with Bryant on the cover, and a Lakers flag. Written on one bouquet was “We love you Kobe and Gigi.”
- The authorities said it could take several days to recover the bodies from the crash site.
- Bryant and his daughter were on their way to an academy where he coached her team.
- Bryant was considered one of the best players in N.B.A. history.
- Fans gathered quickly at Staples Center, where Bryant delivered championships with the Lakers.
- A college baseball coach, along with his wife and daughter, also died in the crash.
- Past and present players pay their respects.
Helicopter rotors chopped through the foggy canyon Sunday morning, too loud, too low.
Scott Daehlin was taking a smoke break while setting up the sound at his church in Calabasas. It was 9:44 a.m. He tracked the sound in the sky toward an empty hill across Las Virgenes Road.
The helicopter hit the slope in a violent crush of metal, followed by the boom of an explosion that reverberated across the canyon — and soon enough, around the world.
Here is a short tribute video in the fond memory of Kobe Bryant.