Sad: Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna die in helicopter crash in California, 7 other bodies identified

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his lovely daughter, Gianna Bryant have sadly perished in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California Sunday morning, BieGyaNation.Com has learnt.

All the nine persons — 1 pilot and 8 passengers — aboard have been confirmed dead.

They have been identified as: Kobe Bryant (41), daughter Gianna Maria Onore Bryant (13), John Altobelli (56), Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester (45), Payton Chester (13), Christina Mauser and the pilot, Ara Zobayan.

Kobe Bryant and Daughter, Gianna had been expected to be at the Mamba Sports Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks for a basketball game scheduled for Sunday.

Gianna was expected to play in the game and Bryant was expected to coach, according to Lady Mavericks team director Evelyn Morales.

BieGyaNation.Com gathers that the pilot after encountering some difficulty in navigating through the fog weather contacted the control tower at Burbank Airport around 9:30 AM PT, and the tower was aware the pilot had been circling for about 15 minutes.

The helicopter went down and caught fire in the process k!lling all the 9 people aboard.

Legendary basket player, Michael Jordan has expressed shock at the death of Kobe and daughter.

He said: “I am in sh0ck over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe — he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much

“He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply — and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball. Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world.”

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. Together, they have four daughters — Gianna, Natalia and Bianca and their newborn, Capri.

Kobe and Vanessa got married in 2001 after meeting in 1999.

Kobe Bryant had a 20-year career with the Lakers.

Source: George Awiadem Maclean | BieGyaNation.Com