Basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter have died in a helicopter crash.
The LA Lakers icon and second eldest child Gianna were travelling with at least three people in his private chopper when it crashed around 10am on Sunday January 26, according to TMZ.
He was just 41-years-old while Gianna was just 13.
Emergency services confirmed that nine people lost their lives in the tragedy in Calabasas near LA, California.
No one survived the crash.
His wife and three other children are understood not to have been on board.
It is believed the helicopter was on fire after going down as emergency services attempted to save those involved.
Authorities are currently investigating what caused the crash.
The LA County Sheriffs Twitter page said: "Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in Calabasas helicopter crash.
"LASD Malibu deputies remain with LA County Fire personnel.
"Investigation ongoing. "
Kobe and Gianna are survived by wife and mother Vanessa and children Natalia, Bianca and baby Capri who was born in June last year.
The shooting guard is widely regarded as one of the best players of all-time having forged his legacy with the LA Lakers.
A five-time champion, he was voted the league's Most Valuable Player in 2008 and played in the coveted All-Star match a staggering 18 times.
Tributes have already began pouring in from the basketball community on social media, with legendary Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman 'devastated' by the sad news.
He wrote: "Devastated to hear the news on my friend Kobe Bryant passing. Prayers go out to his wife Vanessa and his children and the Lakers family."
While Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love said: "Please no. Please God no. It can't be true."
And Tristan Thompson, who has a baby with reality star Khloe Kardashian, added: "I hope this isn’t true man!!! Not Kobe."
