NBA legend Kobe Bryant killed in California helicopter crash (Lead)

Los Angeles, Jan 27 (IANS) Retired NBA star Kobe Bryant was reportedly one of five people killed in a helicopter crash in southern California on Sunday.Five people were confirmed deceased, no survivors in Calabasas helicopter crash, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department tweeted.According to the Xinhua news agency, Bryant was travelling with at least three other people in his private helicopter when it went down. CNN later confirmed Bryant's death. He was 41. There has been no word from his family so far.Deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene near Las Virgenes Road and Willow Glen Street at around 10 a.m., the department tweeted.Flames that erupted in the crash have been extinguished. The investigation is underway.
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