Between nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, are US basketball star Kobe Bryant and his girlfriend Gianna.
Bryant, 41, was soaring and bursting into flames in a private helicopter when it came down.
The sheriff in the LA county said there were no survivors.
Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, has played throughout his career for the LA Lakers, and is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
Tributes from celebrities and fellow sports stars have been pouring in, many expressing shock at his sudden death.
Moments of silence have been observed at basketball games across the US.
Bryant has also been remembered at the Grammy Awards which are being held at the Los Angeles Lakers’ stadium.
“We’re all feeling crazy sadness right now,” said Grammys host Alicia Keys.
“Because earlier today Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero. We’re literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built.”
The NBA issued a statement saying it was “devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna” aged 13.
“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning,” it said.
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