The US in mourning for tragic death of sporting legend Kobe Bryant

Tributes from celebrities and fellow sports stars have been pouring in, many expressing shock at the sudden death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant

Moments of silence have been observed at basketball games across the US.

Bryant and his daughter Gianna are among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California.

Bryant, 41, was travelling in a private helicopter, a a Sikorsky S-76 , when it came down and burst into flames.

Debris from a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter belonging to former Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant lays in the hills after crashing in Calabasas, California, USA. EPA-EFE/ADAM S DAVIS

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant fans gather at LA Live across the street from Staples Center, home of the NBA Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles, California, USA. EPA-EFE/DAVID SWANSON

Fans of late Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant gather at the LA Live entertainment complex across the street from the Staples Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers, in Los Angeles, California, USA. EPA-EFE/ETIENNE LAURENT

Fans of late Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant gather at the LA Live entertainment complex across the street from the Staples Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers, in Los Angeles, California, USA. EPA-EFE/ADAM S DAVIS

Fans place flowers, candles and memorabilia during a vigil for late Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, at the LA Live entertainment complex across the street from the Staples Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers, in Los Angeles, California, USA. EPA-EFE/ADAM S DAVIS

The LA county sheriff said there were no survivors.

Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, played for the LA Lakers throughout his career and is considered one of the greatest players in the game’s history.  When he retired in 2016, he was the third-leading scorer in the league’s history. That record was broken last week by Lebron James, who now plays for the Lakers. On Saturday night, the two-time NBA Finals MVP and two-time Olympic gold medalist congratulated LeBron James on passing him for third place on the all-time scoring list.

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