Kobe Bryant, 13-year-old daughter among 9 killed in California helicopter crash
Updated: 5:10 a.m. on January 27, 2020
Originally Published: 26 JAN 20 19:56 ET
(CNN) -- A team of 18 people from the National Transportation Safety Board is making its way to the scene of a helicopter crash that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven other people in California.
The investigative "Go Team" from the NTSB includes investigators and media relations and family assistance staffers, among others, and is consistent with normal protocols following a crash of this nature, said Jennifer Homendy, an NTSB board member.
"Our deepest sympathies to those that lost loved ones in this tragic event," Homendy said in a brief news conference at Washington's National Airport prior to the team's departure.
Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were passengers on a helicopter that crashed Sunday morning in Calabasas, California. No one survived the crash, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
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Updated 4:44 p.m. on January 26, 2020
CALABASAS (CBS 58) -- The Los Angeles County Sheriff confirmed that 9 people were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on Sunday morning.
The fire department received several 911 calls regarding a brush fire and potential helicopter crash.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a ¼-acre brush fire that they worked to extinguish.
In addition to the ground crews, one helicopter flew to the incident with paramedics on board. The paramedics were then hoisted down in an effort to find survivors. Unfortunately, all of the people on board were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff says he will not be making any public identifications until the coroner finishes their job and the family is notified.
People are welcome to gather in Calabasas.
Stay with CBS 58 News for more information on this developing story.
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CALABASAS (CBS 58/TMZ) -- Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas Sunday morning, according to TMZ.
BREAKING: Kobe Bryant Has Died In A Helicopter Crash https://t.co/42oINV9ZUU
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 26, 2020
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office has reported that five people total were killed in the helicopter crash.
TMZ is now reporting that Kobe's daughter Gianna Maria Onore was also on board the helicopter and died in the crash. She was 13.
The sheriff's department received reports of the downed aircraft just after 1 p.m. ET, officials said in a tweet.
Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in #Calabasas helicopter crash. #LASD#Malibu deputies remain with #LA County Fire personnel. Investigation ongoing.
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) January 26, 2020
Avoid the area until further notice.
Deputies and rescue crews are still on scene investigating.
Calabasas is about 30 miles west of Los Angeles.
Born in Philadelphia, Bryant was drafted to the NBA straight out of Lower Merion High School near Philadelphia in 1996.
He was the youngest player in NBA history at that time, at 18 years, 2 months and 11 days.
Bryant played his entire professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers and won five NBA championships.
Bryant has two Olympic gold medals for men's basketball. He retired in April 2016.