Social media stunned by Kobe Bryant's tragic death

Athletes and fans react to the news that the Lower Merion native and Los Angeles Lakers star was killed in a helicopter crash in California

Former Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant seated with his daughter Natalia attend the Lakers game against the Dallas Mavericks in Los Angeles on Dec. 29, 2019. Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Jan. 26, 2020.
Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports

Kobe Bryant's shocking death in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, rocked the sports world Sunday. TMZ Sports first reported the helicopter crash. Los Angeles County officials said nine people died in the crash, but they have not yet confirmed the victims' identities. 

Bryant, 41, who was a star player at Lower Merion High School before being drafted directly into the NBA, was traveling in his private helicopter when it went down and a fire broke out.


MORE ON KOBE BRYANT: Report: Kobe Bryant dies in California helicopter crash


Emergency personnel were called to the crash scene, but there were no survivors. Los Angeles County officials said nine people died in the crash. It was later confirmed that Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among the victims.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Fans, celebrities and athletes across all sports took to social media on Sunday to share their shock about the news and pay tribute to "The Black Mamba."