A video posted on social media has shocked Kobe Bryant’s fans as it claims to be footage minutes before the moment the NBA star’s helicopter crashed on Sunday. The video, posted on Twitter, was accompanied by the author’s message: “I try and video /photograph all the weird stuff happening above my house in Glendale, CA.
“Unfortunately this morning I didn’t realize I was filming the helicopter Kobe Bryant, his daughter and others were in 31 minutes before they crashed. RIP.”
The 41-year-old was a beloved figure from his 20-year career in the NBA, where he won five NBA championships with the Lakers.
More than that though, Bryant was highly regarded as the hardest working sportsman of all time, known for his extreme work ethic of counting to better himself.
Bryant was flying along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other people when the helicopter crashed down in the hills of Calabasas.
READ MORE: Kobe Bryant dead: LeBron James promises to continue Lakers legacy
It has been indicated that adverse weather conditions will be a key part of the investigation into the crash with dense fog reported in the area that morning.
The Los Angeles Police Department said the fog “was enough that we were not flying.”
Kobe Bryant’s pilot was warned he was ‘too low’ moments before the fatal helicopter crash.
Audio footage has been obtained which details how the pilot was told he was ‘too low’ by controllers.
Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, 56, his daughter Alyssa and wife Keri were also among those who died, Altobelli’s brother Tony told CNN.
Mother and daughter Sarah and Payton Chester were also killed, family and friends confirmed.
Harbor Day School assistant coach Christina Mauser is also among the victims, with her husband posting an emotional message on social media.
Air traffic reports show that the chopper circled for more than 15 minutes before its final, fatal descent around 21 miles (35km) from downtown Los Angeles. An investigation is ongoing.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement: “This is a moment that leaves us struggling to find words that express the magnitude of shock and sorrow we are all feeling right now, and I am keeping Kobe’s entire family in my prayers at this time of unimaginable grief.”