The world mourns one of the greatest basketball players today. Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, an aspiring basketball player,died today in a helicopter crush on their way to his daughter’s practice. Kobe’s S-76 helicopter crashed Sunday morning near Calabasas, Calif, roughly 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles, with five passengers on board. 

Bryant, 41, retired from basketball after the 2016 season, his 20th in the NBA -- all spent with the Lakers.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was drafted into the NBA straight out of high school at the age of 17.

Bryant was selected to an NBA record 18 consecutive NBA All-Star Games. He also won two gold medals while representing the USA in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics.

Kobe is survived by his wife Vaness and three daughters Natalia 17, Bianca 3 years and Capri 7 month old.

Kobe and Vanessa married in 2001. According to E! True Hollywood Story, Kobe proposed to her six months after they met, and they did not sign a prenuptial agreement.

Barack Obama reacts to news of Kobe Bryant’s death

Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 26, 2020

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remembers Kobe Bryant

Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV

— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020