US Embassy, Georgia: US, entire world stunned by death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant

The US Embassy to Georgia has expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragic death of NBA great Kobe Bryant, who, in addition to eight others including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, died in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California, on Sunday.

International media reports that Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, was travelling in a private helicopter when it came down.

Bryant, 41, played his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, retiring in April 2016.

He was the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player and two-time NBA Finals MVP.

He was also NBA scoring champion twice and a two-time Olympic champion.

Bryant was awarded an Oscar for best short animated film in 2018 for Dear Basketball.

The US President Donald Trump tweeted about the “terrible news” shortly after the fatality took place.

Former US President Barack Obama described Bryant as "a legend on the court.”

Bryant leaves behind a wife and three daughters.