Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna die in helicopter crash

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Updated at 5:51 p.m.

Kobe Bryant died Sunday at 41 years old, sources confirmed to NBC Sports and Yahoo Sports. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna also passed away. Nine people died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Bryant was born in Philadelphia and, after spending much of his childhood in Italy to follow the basketball career of his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, starred at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore.

He entered the NBA straight from high school and had an illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five NBA championships and making 18 All-Star appearances.

On Saturday night in Philadelphia, LeBron James moved past Bryant into third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

“I’m happy to be in any conversation with Kobe Bean Bryant,” James told reporters Saturday. “One of the all-time greatest basketball players to ever play. One of the all-time great Lakers. The man got two jerseys hanging up in Staples Center. It’s just crazy.”

The Sixers and general manager Elton Brand released statements about the passing of Kobe and Gianna Bryant.

 

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