Basketball star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, among 9 killed in helicopter crash

Kobe Bryant, widely considered one of the greatest basketball players, was killed in a helicopter crash in California, US on January 26, along with eight others. He was 41.

One of his daughters, Gianna Maria Onore Bryant (13), also died in the crash.

He is survived by wife Vanessa, with whom he had four daughters.

LA County Sheriffs said on Twitter: “The #LA Sheriff's department extends its deepest condolences to the families & friends of the 9 souls lost aboard this tragic helicopter crash in #Calabasas. Our hearts go out to you in this extremely difficult time.”

Sergeant Benjamin of the Sheriff's Information Bureau tweeted: “”Tragic helicopter crash today in @CityofCalabasas area. We know there are many questions, unfortunately the investigation will be lengthy, and it will take a great deal of time to get those answers.”

US President Donald Trump said on Twitter, “Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating....Melania and I send our warmest condolences to Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family. May God be with you all!”

Former US president Barack Obama tweeted: "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."

Bryant won five National Basketball Association (NBA) championship rings with the Los Angeles Lakers and was the face of the franchise during his 20-year career.

He averaged 25 points during his career and twice led the NBA in scoring.

Bryant was an 18-times NBA All-Star who wore the jersey numbers 24 and 8 — both of which were retired by the Lakers — and continued the 'Showtime' tradition of the storied franchise that has been home to the likes of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal.

The fourth-highest scorer in NBA history with 33,643 points, Bryant only gave up the third spot on the list on Saturday night to LeBron James.

On January 25, Bryant used Twitter to extend his congratulations to James: "Much respect my brother," he tweeted.

A few hours later, Bryant perished in the crash.

Born in Philadelphia, Bryant was only 17 when he was taken as the 13th overall draft pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA draft.

But he never played for the Hornets and immediately traded to the Lakers, where he played his entire career before retiring in 2016.

In 2008, he was named the NBA Most Valuable Player. Internationally, he won two Olympic gold medals, part of the United States team in 2008 and 2012.

(With inputs from Reuters)