CALABASAS, Calif. — Nine bodies have been recovered and transported from the scene of a helicopter crash in Calabasas, according to Los Angeles County officials.
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and friends were on board Sunday morning on their way to a travel basketball game.
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The crash took place at 9:47 a.m. in a remote area in the vicinity of Las Virgenes Road and Willow Glen Street. Sheriff's officials confirmed there were no survivors and a small fire was quickly extinguished.
The identities of several other passengers on the helicopter have emerged, including Orange Coast College head baseball coach, John Altobelli, 56, his wife Keri Altobelli, and daughter, Alyssa, 13.
The bodies were recovered and transported to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner's Forensic Science Center for identification and examination.
The Lakers released a statement Monday night, confirming their Tuesday game with the Los Angeles Clippers was postponed and scheduled for another date.
"The Los Angeles Lakers would like to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support and condolences," the statement said. "This is a very difficult time for all of us. We continue to support the Bryant family and will share more information as it is available."
Bryant, 41, was a Lakers legend who spent his entire 20-year career with the team, winning five NBA titles and two Olympic gold medals. He retired in 2016.
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National Transportation Safety Board officials asked the public for photos of the weather from the time and area of the crash as they investigate the cause. Photos could be sent to witness@ntsb.gov.
Investigators expected to be on scene the rest of the week, NTSB member Jennifer Homendy said Monday afternoon.
The helicopter was a Sikorsky S-76B. It was built in 1991 and owned by Island Express Holding Corp. Records show that it took off from John Wayne Airport in Orange County at 9:06 a.m. The helicopter had multiple engines and was IFR rated — meaning it could be flown in zero visibility.
The NTSB database showed no prior incidents or accidents for the helicopter Bryant and the other passengers were traveling in.
"Our team will be looking at the history of the pilot and whatever crew was on board. We'll be looking at maintenance records of the helicopter," said Homendy at a Sunday afternoon press briefing. "We will be looking at records of the owner and operator of the owner and operator of the helicopter and a number of other things that we look at as part of the investigation."
Conditions when the crash occurred were foggy, later prompting the Los Angeles Police Department to ground its helicopter fleet.
The helicopter's manufacturer, Sikorsky, sent out a tweet Sunday, offering their condolences. Sikorsky is cooperating with investigators.