A look back on the extraordinary life of sporting icon Kobe Bryant

The world entered a state of mourning on Sunday following the news that Kobe Bryant had died in a helicopter crash.

The devastating incident took the lives of eight more, including Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna, after the aircraft went down in thick fog before crashing in Calabasas, California.

Bryant’s untimely death marks an abrupt end to one of the most iconic lives in sporting history, which saw him conquer the game of basketball while becoming one of the greatest players to have graced the court.

He was a five-time NBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist and is the fourth highest point-scoring player in league history, along with a long list of personal accolades.

Bryant also won an Oscar for best animated short film for his film Dear Basketball, just two years after his retirement from the game in 2016.

Here, Sportsmail takes a look at the Black Mamba’s life and career in pictures.

The world is in a state of mourning following the death of Kobe Bryant, who was one of nine people to tragically die in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday morning

Bryant was born in Philadelphia and went on to earn national recognition during his high school career at Lower Merion in Ardmore where he was described by his varsity coach Greg Downer as a 'complete player who dominates'

Bryant was born in Philadelphia and went on to earn national recognition during his high school career at Lower Merion in Ardmore where he was described by his varsity coach Greg Downer as a ‘complete player who dominates’

A banner hangs in the gym at Lower Merion which honours the players that have scored over 1,000 points at high school level ¿ Bryant incredibly scored nearly three times as much as any other player to make the list

A banner hangs in the gym at Lower Merion which honours the players that have scored over 1,000 points at high school level – Bryant incredibly scored nearly three times as much as any other player to make the list

Having dominated basketball in high school, Bryant skipped the chance to go to college and instead went straight into the NBA draft, where he was originally drafted to the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to his beloved Los Angeles Lakers

Having dominated basketball in high school, Bryant skipped the chance to go to college and instead went straight into the NBA draft, where he was originally drafted to the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to his beloved Los Angeles Lakers

(From left to right) Horace Grant, Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and Isaiah Rider all pose for a Laker media day in October 2000, the year where the Lakers would win their first championship under Phil Jackson in a dominant period for the franchise

(From left to right) Horace Grant, Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and Isaiah Rider all pose for a Laker media day in October 2000, the year where the Lakers would win their first championship under Phil Jackson in a dominant period for the franchise

Bryant takes part in a photoshoot for adidas at Will Rogers State Beach after becoming the sixth player in history to skip college basketball and go straight into the NBA

A young Bryant flies through the air to slam the ball home against the Charlotte Hornets

Bryant takes part in a photoshoot for adidas at Will Rogers State Beach (left) after becoming the sixth player in history to skip college basketball and go straight into the NBA. And Bryant flies through the air (right) to slam the ball home against the Charlotte Hornets

Just a year into his career as a professional basketball player, Bryant became friends with golf icon Tiger Woods (left) who is a lifelong LA Lakers fan

Just a year into his career as a professional basketball player, Bryant became friends with golf icon Tiger Woods (left) who is a lifelong LA Lakers fan

Bryant sits alongside Lakers' general manager Mitch Kupchak in 2004 as he signs a seven-year contract to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal worth a staggering $136million

Bryant sits alongside Lakers’ general manager Mitch Kupchak in 2004 as he signs a seven-year contract to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal worth a staggering $136million

The Black Mamba enjoys a photoshoot in August 1997 as he jumps in the air with a smile on his face, months before he was due to start his second season with the Lakers

The Black Mamba enjoys a photoshoot in August 1997 as he jumps in the air with a smile on his face, months before he was due to start his second season with the Lakers

Bryant winces in pain after spraining his left ankle with just one minute left of their game with Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center in March, 2001

Bryant winces in pain after spraining his left ankle with just one minute left of their game with Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center in March, 2001

Bryant (right) stands alongside a young LeBron James (left) who would later go on to surpass Bryant's all-time points total just a day before the Lakers legend's passing

Bryant (right) stands alongside a young LeBron James (left) who would later go on to surpass Bryant’s all-time points total just a day before the Lakers legend’s passing

Bryant (left) clutches the Larry O'Brian trophy while his Lakers team-mate Shaquille O'Neal (right) holds the MVP trophy moments after the pair beat the Indiana Pacers in the 2000 NBA Finals

Bryant (left) clutches the Larry O’Brian trophy while his Lakers team-mate Shaquille O’Neal (right) holds the MVP trophy moments after the pair beat the Indiana Pacers in the 2000 NBA Finals

Bryant (left) has a laugh with fellow USA Olympian Dwayne Wade (right) during a training session at Bejing Olympic games in 2008

Bryant (left) has a laugh with fellow USA Olympian Dwayne Wade (right) during a training session at Bejing Olympic games in 2008

Bryant basks in the glory at the Staples Center after helping guide the LA Lakers past fierce rivals the Boston Celtics to win another NBA championship ¿ his fifth and last title in a trophy-laden career

Bryant basks in the glory at the Staples Center after helping guide the LA Lakers past fierce rivals the Boston Celtics to win another NBA championship – his fifth and last title in a trophy-laden career

Following the Lakers' 83-79 win over the Celtics in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals, Bryant addresses the media with daughters Natalia and Gianna

Following the Lakers’ 83-79 win over the Celtics in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals, Bryant addresses the media with daughters Natalia and Gianna

Bryant also enjoyed a rivalry with the San Antonio Spurs during his career where he often found himself coming up against basketball greats Tim Duncan (right) and Tony Parker (not pictured)

Bryant also enjoyed a rivalry with the San Antonio Spurs during his career where he often found himself coming up against basketball greats Tim Duncan (right) and Tony Parker (not pictured)

Former United States President Barack Obama (right) receives a team jersey and signed basketball from Bryant (centre) and Derek Fisher (left) at an event welcoming the NBA champions to the White House to honor their 2008-2009 season

Former United States President Barack Obama (right) receives a team jersey and signed basketball from Bryant (centre) and Derek Fisher (left) at an event welcoming the NBA champions to the White House to honor their 2008-2009 season

Bryant holds up the Larry O'Brien Trophy and the Bill Russell MVP Award while gesturing the number four to photographers after he becomes a four-time NBA champion in 2009

Bryant holds up the Larry O’Brien Trophy and the Bill Russell MVP Award while gesturing the number four to photographers after he becomes a four-time NBA champion in 2009

Bryant (left) and O'Neal (right) stand together during a break in play. The pair won three consecutive NBA titles together but often had personal differences before O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004

Bryant (left) and O’Neal (right) stand together during a break in play. The pair won three consecutive NBA titles together but often had personal differences before O’Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004

Kobe shows his father Joe Bryant (left) some love by planting a kiss on his cheek as the pair hold the Larry O'Brien trophy after the Lakers' Finals win over the Pacers in 2000

Kobe shows his father Joe Bryant (left) some love by planting a kiss on his cheek as the pair hold the Larry O’Brien trophy after the Lakers’ Finals win over the Pacers in 2000

One of Bryant's main career highlights came in 2006 when he scored an incredible 81 points against the Toronto Raptors to write himself into the history books. It was the only game Bryant's grandmother had watched him play live

One of Bryant’s main career highlights came in 2006 when he scored an incredible 81 points against the Toronto Raptors to write himself into the history books. It was the only game Bryant’s grandmother had watched him play live

Michael Jordan (right), who is considered the greatest basketball player of all time, described Bryant as 'a little brother' after learning about the 41-year-old's death on Sunday

Michael Jordan (right), who is considered the greatest basketball player of all time, described Bryant as ‘a little brother’ after learning about the 41-year-old’s death on Sunday

Bryant watches the LA Galaxy take on the San Jose Earthquakes in MLS in 2008 alongside his wife Vanessa (left) and their two daughters Natalia and Gianna

Bryant watches the LA Galaxy take on the San Jose Earthquakes in MLS in 2008 alongside his wife Vanessa (left) and their two daughters Natalia and Gianna

Bryant shows off a touch of flair as he lays up the basketball to score two points for the LA Lakers against the Denver Nuggets in 2007

Bryant shows off a touch of flair as he lays up the basketball to score two points for the LA Lakers against the Denver Nuggets in 2007

LeBron James (right) adjusts Bryant's tie on the opening day of the 2006 Bejing Olympic games as former US President George W. Bush visits the team

LeBron James (right) adjusts Bryant’s tie on the opening day of the 2006 Bejing Olympic games as former US President George W. Bush visits the team

Bryant (left) and his great rival Shaquille O'Neal (right) battle for a rebound during the 55th NBA All-Star game in Houston, Texas in 2006

Bryant (left) and his great rival Shaquille O’Neal (right) battle for a rebound during the 55th NBA All-Star game in Houston, Texas in 2006

Bryant (right) talks tactics with LA Lakers coach Phil Jackson during the Western Conference Finals against the Sacramento Kings in 2002. Bryant and the LA Lakers would go on to beat the Kings and lift a third consecutive NBA title under Jackson

Bryant (right) talks tactics with LA Lakers coach Phil Jackson during the Western Conference Finals against the Sacramento Kings in 2002. Bryant and the LA Lakers would go on to beat the Kings and lift a third consecutive NBA title under Jackson

Bryant gets some serious airtime as he posterises Aaron Gray of the New Orleans Hornets in game three of the West Conference quarter-finals in the 2011 NBA playoffs

Bryant gets some serious airtime as he posterises Aaron Gray of the New Orleans Hornets in game three of the West Conference quarter-finals in the 2011 NBA playoffs

Bryant breaks clear to pull off a 180 reverse dunk against Nigeria at the 2012 Olympic Games in London

Bryant breaks clear to pull off a 180 reverse dunk against Nigeria at the 2012 Olympic Games in London

In between Oklahoma City Thunder star duo Kevin Durant (left) and Russell Westbrook, Bryant pulls off his signature fadeaway to score two points for the LA Lakers

In between Oklahoma City Thunder star duo Kevin Durant (left) and Russell Westbrook, Bryant pulls off his signature fadeaway to score two points for the LA Lakers

Bryant high-fives supporters inside the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota after he passed Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list with a free throw during the second quarter

Bryant high-fives supporters inside the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota after he passed Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list with a free throw during the second quarter

Kobe and father Joe Bryant (left) share a laugh at the Kobe Basketball Academy at Loyola Marymount University in 2007

Kobe and father Joe Bryant (left) share a laugh at the Kobe Basketball Academy at Loyola Marymount University in 2007

Bryant (centre) fakes out Kawhi Leonard (No 2) and Boris Diaw (No 33) before handing the ball off to team-mate Julius Randle (right) during an NBA game with the San Antonio Spurs in 2016

Bryant (centre) fakes out Kawhi Leonard (No 2) and Boris Diaw (No 33) before handing the ball off to team-mate Julius Randle (right) during an NBA game with the San Antonio Spurs in 2016

Bryant shows off his raw athleticism to beat his man to the basket before pulling off a difficult lay-up to score against Denver Nuggets in 2016. Bryant was 37 years old at the time

Bryant shows off his raw athleticism to beat his man to the basket before pulling off a difficult lay-up to score against Denver Nuggets in 2016. Bryant was 37 years old at the time

Bryant shoots a free throw to tie Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list. The Lakers talisman would surpass the Chicago Bulls legend shortly after

Bryant shoots a free throw to tie Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list. The Lakers talisman would surpass the Chicago Bulls legend shortly after

The Philadelphia-born shooting guard shakes NBA legend Bill Russell's (centre left) hand as he hands him the Finals MVP trophy over to Bryant in 2010

The Philadelphia-born shooting guard shakes NBA legend Bill Russell’s (centre left) hand as he hands him the Finals MVP trophy over to Bryant in 2010

Philadelphia 76ers Hall Of Famer Julius 'Dr. J' Erving (left) presents Bryant (No 24) his Lower Merion high school uniform prior to the LA Lakers' game with Philly at the Wells Fargo Center in 2015

Philadelphia 76ers Hall Of Famer Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving (left) presents Bryant (No 24) his Lower Merion high school uniform prior to the LA Lakers’ game with Philly at the Wells Fargo Center in 2015

Bryant proudly shows off his Olympic gold medal to TV host Jimmy Kimmel (right) during a 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' show

Bryant proudly shows off his Olympic gold medal to TV host Jimmy Kimmel (right) during a ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ show

Shaquille O'Neal (left) and Bryant (right) are voted as the co-winners of the MVP award at the 2009 NBA All-Star game in Phoenix, Arizona

Shaquille O’Neal (left) and Bryant (right) are voted as the co-winners of the MVP award at the 2009 NBA All-Star game in Phoenix, Arizona

Bryant waves to the crowd after passing Jordan on the all-time scoring list. Bryant would eventually move up to third highest scorer by the time he retired before LeBron James passed him a day before Bryant's death

Bryant waves to the crowd after passing Jordan on the all-time scoring list. Bryant would eventually move up to third highest scorer by the time he retired before LeBron James passed him a day before Bryant’s death

Bryant grimaces after severely spraining his right ankle during game against Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005. He was known for having a high pain threshold and would often play through injuries

Bryant grimaces after severely spraining his right ankle during game against Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005. He was known for having a high pain threshold and would often play through injuries

Bryant walks towards the crowd of team-mates, photographers and cameramen after scoring 60 points against the Utah Jazz in April 2016. It was the Black Mamba's last ever game as a professional basketball player

Bryant walks towards the crowd of team-mates, photographers and cameramen after scoring 60 points against the Utah Jazz in April 2016. It was the Black Mamba’s last ever game as a professional basketball player

Bryant takes centre stage on the court inside the Staples Center before he has both of his No 24 and No 8 jerseys retired by the LA Lakers

Bryant takes centre stage on the court inside the Staples Center before he has both of his No 24 and No 8 jerseys retired by the LA Lakers

Bryant proudly poses alongside his wife Vanessa and daughters Gianna, Natalia, and Bianka as he has both of his jerseys retired. Lakers icon Magic Johnson (top, left) and Rob Pelinka (right) smile for the picture at the ceremony

Bryant proudly poses alongside his wife Vanessa and daughters Gianna, Natalia, and Bianka as he has both of his jerseys retired. Lakers icon Magic Johnson (top, left) and Rob Pelinka (right) smile for the picture at the ceremony

Bryant enjoys his retirement from basketball as he attends a Los Angeles Dodgers World Series game against the Boston Red Sox in October 2017

Bryant enjoys his retirement from basketball as he attends a Los Angeles Dodgers World Series game against the Boston Red Sox in October 2017

Lights illuminate Bryant's two iconic jerseys in tribute to Kobe Bryant during the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on the day of his death

Lights illuminate Bryant’s two iconic jerseys in tribute to Kobe Bryant during the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on the day of his death

Bryant gives his teenage daughter Gianna a kiss on the head while the two watch the Lakers take on the Atlanta Hawks from courtside in November last year

Bryant gives his teenage daughter Gianna a kiss on the head while the two watch the Lakers take on the Atlanta Hawks from courtside in November last year

Bryant kisses his Oscar after winning the award for best animated short film for his film Dear Basketball. Bryant became the first former professional athlete to be nominated and win an Academy Award in 2018

Bryant kisses his Oscar after winning the award for best animated short film for his film Dear Basketball. Bryant became the first former professional athlete to be nominated and win an Academy Award in 2018

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk