Kobe Bryan’ts Helicopter Was a Lockheed Martin Sikorsky S-76B

The world was reeling on Monday after famed NBA legend Kobe Bryant passed away in a devistating helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.

The news of Bryant’s death sent shock waves from city to city as fans, friends, family, and everyone else tried to wrap their heads around his tragic and sudden death. Bryant was a huge name in the basketball world and was loved and adored by many.

The helicopter crash on Monday morning also took Bryant’s daughter and eight other people. His daughter 13-year old Gianna was also on the helicopter when it crashed.

The group was flying on a Sikorksy S-76B when it crashed about 30 miles outside of Los Angeles. It was en route to Thousand Oaks for a basketball tournament at the Mamba Sports Academ.

Sikorsky is a division of Lockheed Martin, which issued a statement late Sunday vowing to investigate the deadly crash.

“We extend our sincerest condolences to all those affected by today’s Sikorsky S-76B accident in Calabasas, California,” Lockheed Martin said on social media. “We have been in contact with the NTSB and stand ready to provide assistance and support to the investigative authorities and our customer.”

The company also said, “Safety is our top priority; if there are any actionable findings from the investigation, we will inform our S-76 customers.”

Kurt Deetz, a pilot who also used to fly Bryant in the chopper, believes the crash was more likely caused by bad weather than engine or mechanical issues.

The S-76 series helicopter was “originally built for the rigorous demands of the offs​hore oil & gas” industries,” but “its capabilities fit naturally into other market segments,” says Lockheed Martin on its website.

Disclaimer: We have no position in Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) and have not been compensated for this article.