US President Donald Trump and his predecessor Barack Obama have paid tributes to basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his young daughter who died in a horrific helicopter crash in California, just as he was getting started in life.
Bryant, 41, was confirmed dead after a helicopter carrying the former Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others crashed on Sunday morning in Calabasas, near Los Angeles, and burst into flames, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
The Sikorsky S-76B helicopter crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, killing everyone on board.
"Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating....," President Trump tweeted.
"Melania and I send our warmest condolences to Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family. May God be with you all!" he added.
Former President Obama also condoled the death of Bryant and his daughter.
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"Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents.
"Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day," Obama tweeted.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) issued a statement saying it was "devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna".
"For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning," it said.
Basketball legend Michael Jordan also issued a statement, describing Bryant as a "little brother" to him.
"I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe's and Gianna's passing," Jordan said.
"Words can't describe the pain I'm feeling. I loved Kobe he was like a little brother to me."
"It's a logistical nightmare in a sense because the crash site itself is not easily accessible," Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said, adding that the investigation could be a "very extensive process."
The effort to recover the victims' bodies has also begun but could take a couple of days, Los Angeles County Chief Medical Examiner Jonathan Lucas said, "given the terrain and the condition of the site."
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