Tributes have been paid to US basketball star Kobe Bryant, who has died aged 41.
He was killed in a helicopter crash alongside his teenage daughter Gianna and seven others on board.
The helicopter came down near the city of Calabasas in California.
Bryant - one of the best-known sports stars in the US - played with the Los Angeles Lakers during his 20-year career, before retiring in 2016 after winning five NBA championships.
US political leaders, celebrities and Bryant's fellow NBA stars were among those who paid tribute on Sunday night.
Donald Trump described Bryant as one of the "truly great basketball players of all time", and sent his condolences to Bryant's wife Vanessa and the rest of the family.
Former US president Barack Obama said the basketball star was "just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act".
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.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 26, 2020
A number of other NBA superstars and Bryant's former teammates were among those who took to social media to express their shock at the news.
There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1
— SHAQ.SOL (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It’s hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players. pic.twitter.com/NXsrXmCkkG
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, meanwhile, called Bryant one of the "most extraordinary players in the history of our game", adding: "Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning".
Investigation
Authorities in Californa said the helicopter Bryant was in crashed at around 10 am local time on Sunday.
LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva and coroner Dr Jonathan Lucas said the investigation into the crash would take time, but confirmed that there were eight passengers on the helicopter along with the pilot.
The crash site was said to be "about the size of a football field", with officials saying the location had also led to some challenges accessing the site.
Fans gathered near the scene to pay tribute to Bryant, with makeshift memorials also appearing in Los Angeles.
Last night's Grammy Awards - which were held at the Staples Center in LA, the Lakers' home venue - also included a tribute to the sports star.
