US Embassy in Georgia expresses condolences over tragic death of basketball player Kobe Bryant.

“The United States and indeed the entire world is stunned by the tragic loss of NBA legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash in California. He will be remembered for his remarkable talents and incomparable contributions, both on and off the court. We send our deepest sympathies to his family, as we share their grief,” reads the statement.

Kobe Bryant, 41, the legendary basketball star who spent 20 years with the Lakers, was killed Sunday morning when the helicopter he was traveling in crashed amid foggy conditions and burst into flames in the hills above Calabasas.

His daughter Gianna, 13, was also on board, NBA authorities confirmed.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said nine people were on the copter - a pilot and eight passengers. He would not confirm who had died until all the next of kin have been notified, he said. The L.A. County coroner’s office said Sunday night that the recovery effort is expected to take several days because of the condition of the crash site and its remote location. Officials have shut down roads leading to the site because of a throng of visitors trying to get there.