Basketball legend Kobe Bryant, 41, and his daughter, Gianna, have died in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has confirmed that nine people were on board when a private helicopter went down in the city of Calabasas on Sunday morning, catching fire after hitting the ground.
It has also been confirmed that Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, a promising basketball player herself, were among those on board. There were no survivors, despite the response of emergency services.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.
"The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna," said a statement from Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner.
"For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning.
"He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary.
"But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability.
"He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.
"We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organisation and the entire sports world."
Bryant is one of the most famous basketball players in the history of the sport. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest to take the court.
He made 18 All-Star teams during a career with the LA Lakers that spanned two decades.
Bryant won five NBA Championships, being named MVP in two finals. He was the NBA's league MVP in 2008.
He has three other children - Natalia, Bianca and newborn Capri - with wife Vanessa.
Paying tribute, former Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton tweeted: "Don’t think many people around the world weren’t inspired by Kobe Bryant's talent, work ethic and belief.
"One of the all-time sportspeople. Thoughts go out to his family and the families of the other passengers. R.I.P."
