SVT's basketball commentator: "He was a role model to so many"

Kobe Bryant and four other people died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. It has been confirmed by several US media, including CNN and ABC News. The basketball legend turned 41.

SVT Sports basketball commentator Björn Becksmo is obviously shocked by the news.

- He was a foundation in the basketball world. He was a role model to so many people around the world, he says.

- What he has meant for the basketball is what few have done in other sports. He can be compared to Pelé, Maradona or Michael Jordan. Lebron James has had Kobe Bryant as a role model in his life.

But Kobe Bryant's career was not without spots. In 2003, Bryant was charged with rape of a 19-year-old woman, but the case never went to trial after the woman chose not to testify.

- He used his star glow in private contexts and was not always the nicest, says Björn Becksmo.

Kobe Bryant turned 41 years old and according to Becksmo, the star had much left to give to the basketball world.

- He had the radiance, charisma and talent. In the way he was that role model, that icon. He could have had a great impact on the sport for another 20-30 years.