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Kobe Bryant dies at 41

By Fernando Alfonso III, Amir Vera and Aimee Lewis, CNN

Updated 3:22 AM ET, Tue January 28, 2020

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5:46 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

LA Sheriff: 9 people on board helicopter that crashed in Calabasas

Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva says that nine people — the pilot and eight others — were aboard the helicopter that crashed earlier today in Calabasas, California.

The Sheriff did not identify anyone on the flight, saying it was "entirely inappropriate" to do so at this time until the coroner made the identification to the next of kin.

"It'd be extremely disrespectful to understand that your loved one was perished and you learned about it from TMZ," Villanueva said. "That is just wholly inappropriate, so we're not gonna be going there. We're gonna wait until the coroner does their job."

5:41 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

First Lady Melania Trump tweets "thoughts and prayers" to Kobe Bryant's family

First Lady Melania Trump shared her "thoughts and prayers" to Kobe Bryant's family in the wake of his death Sunday.

5:38 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

Lady Mavericks basketball team mourns Bryant's death with touching tribute

The Lady Mavericks basketball team was seen today mourning the death of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California.

The Lady Mavericks were playing in the Mamba Cup basketball tournament where Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi were expected for a game today at noon.

5:31 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

Orange County baseball coach dies in helicopter crash with Kobe Bryant

From CNN's Artemis Moshtaghian

Orange Coast College (OCC) baseball coach John Altobelli died in the helicopter crash with Kobe Bryant early Sunday morning, OCC assistant coach Ron La Ruffa told Orange County Register newspaper.

There were five people aboard the helicopter that crashed in Calabasas, CA, on Sunday morning.

Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria Onore Bryant have been identified as the two other passengers who died on the helicopter. The names and identities of the two other passengers have not been identified.

5:26 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

NBA commissioner on Bryant: "He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game"

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement today regarding the passing of Kobe Bryant, saying the 5-time NBA champion "showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning."

“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna," Silver said. "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: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals. 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."

Silver added: “We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”

5:20 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

Video game NBA 2K pays tribute to Kobe Bryant

The popular basketball video game NBA 2K is paying tribute today to Kobe Bryant on the game's log in screen.

The screen shows a black and white image of Bryant with the words "Kobe Bryant 1978-2020."

5:18 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

Nike calls Bryant "one of the greatest athletes of his generation"

From CNN's Alison Kosik

Nike, a longtime business partner of Kobe Bryant, said it was "devastated" over the news of his death today in California.

"Along with millions of athletes and fans throughout the world, we are devastated by today’s tragic news. We extend our deepest sympathies to those closest to Kobe, especially his family and friends. He was one of the greatest athletes of his generation and has had an immeasurable impact on the world of sport and the community of basketball. He was a beloved member of the Nike family. We will miss him greatly. Mamba forever," the company said in a statement.

5:12 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

Politicians react to Kobe Bryant's death

From CNN's Chuck Johnston

Politicians joined celebrities and athletes in responding to Kobe Bryant's death today.

"Heartbroken by the loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter," said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. "PA will never forget our time as Kobe’s home."

5:11 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Bryant: "I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete"

Kobe Bryant, left, greets Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after both of their Los Angeles Lakers jerseys were retired in 2017. Harry How/Getty Images

Former Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar tweeted a video discussing Kobe Bryant, saying his death was a "loss that's hard to comprehend."

Abdul-Jabbar played for the Lakers from 1975-1989.