‘A True Legend’: Kobe Bryant’s Death in Helicopter Crash Sends Shockwaves — Presidents, NBA Greats Mourn
Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
The sports world was devastated by the news that legendary NBA star Kobe Bryant and 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash Sunday.
The 41-year-old Lakers legend was among nine people who were killed when their helicopter crashed in hills above Calabasas, California. Basketball players, professional athletes, and sports media personalities alike took to Twitter to mourn Bryant’s passing.
Statement from Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com/oI7w6e7HLI
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) January 26, 2020
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 (@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
Man I don’t even know where to start?? I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!
RIP LEGEND
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 26, 2020
Still can’t believe @kobebryant ???????? pic.twitter.com/swscrtnFAx
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) January 26, 2020
Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 26, 2020
I’m heartbroken by this news, you were a true legend, and friend. Rest In Peace @kobebryant, my thoughts and prayers to his wife and kids. #legend #mamba #goat pic.twitter.com/1VKYdbrVEk
— Tony Parker (@tonyparker) January 26, 2020
Heart going out to the Bryant family right now. ❤️. RIP @kobebryant
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) January 26, 2020
This is not real right now
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) January 26, 2020
Janet and I have no words to describe our shock and sadness on the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant today. Praying for him and his family. ?
— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) January 26, 2020
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️????
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe Bryant. I cannot believe I just typed those words. Just impossible to comprehend. He was becoming as big a force in his second career as he was on the court. God bless his wife and children.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 26, 2020
We can confirm that Kobe Bryant passed away today from the causes of a helicopter accident.
The entire Los Angeles Lakers family wishes to support their family and friends.
RIP KOBE ?❤️ pic.twitter.com/FdqwpAFoGY
— Los Angeles Lakers (@LakersLosAngel) January 26, 2020
Stephen A. Smith offered an emotional tribute to Bryant on ESPN, and players for the Spurs and Raptors, facing off in Texas on Sunday, found their own way to honor the NBA star.
Former President Barack Obama and current President Donald Trump also weighed in:
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
Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2020
