TMZ Report: Kobe Bryant Dies In Helicopter Crash

Update: Sources, including Yahoo! Sports, have now confirmed the crash, and that Kobe Bryant was on-board.

Original Story: According to TMZ, NBA legend Kobe Bryant has died.

Other reports are emerging that a helicopter did crash, and Bryant was supposed to be on the flight, but authorities have not confirmed the identity of those aboard.

TMZ's report says:

"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.

Kobe has famously used a helicopter to travel for years -- dating back to when he played for the Lakers. He was known for commuting from Newport Beach, CA to the STAPLES Center in DTLA in his Sikorsky S-76 chopper.

KB is survived by his wife Vanessa, and their four daughters -- Gianna, Natalia and Bianca and their newborn Capri."

Filed Under: Kobe Bryant