Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash. 

The basketball legend, 41, was travelling with nine others on a private aircraft when it came down in Calabasas near Los Angeles, California.

The first reports came according to TMZ, but have since been confirmed by other sources and a statement from the City of Calabasas.  

Bryant, who spent two decades playing in the NBA with the LA Lakers, will be survived by his wife Vanessa, who was reportedly not on the helicopter.

He will be remembered as one of the greatest stars to ever play the sport, winning five NBA Championships, two finals MVP awards and one NBA MVP award.

The Los Angeles Times also reported the following information:

"A helicopter crashed and burst into flames Sunday morning amid foggy conditions in the hills above Calabasas, with multiple fatalities reported.

"The crash occurred shortly before 10 a.m. near Las Virgenes Road, south of Agoura Road, according to a watch commander for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

"The crash ignited a brush fire and made it difficult for firefighters and emergency personnel to get to the aircraft, he said.

"Sources at the scene said they believed there were multiple fatalities.

"The fire was contained to the crash site, officials said. There were no homes in the area, and no roadways were impacted." 

Tributes for the NBA icon who also won two Olympic gold medals representing the United States in 2008 and 2012 have been pouring in.

Bryant retired from basketball in 2016 with a legacy that will rarely ever be matched, both on and off the court. The sporting world has been rocked by the terrible news of his passing.

Rest in peace, Kobe.