Former Lakers star Kobe Bryant has died in a plane crash.

The NBA legend who died at the age of 41 was reportedly on board a helicopter with other eight passengers during the incident which occurred at 10am near Calabasas, a location in north-west Los Angeles.

According to the UK Guardian, the helicopter crashed due to foggy weather, igniting bushfires which made it difficult for firefighters to successfully carry out rescue operations.

Kobe’s 13-year-old daughter named Giana is believed to be among the dead

Media reports confirm that Kobe preferred flying on helicopters during his lifetime to avoid the heavy traffic in Los Angeles.