On Sunday, January 26, the basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
In the helicopter crash, along with Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, died eight other people.
The athlete leaves behind his wife, Vanessa, and his three daughters. His oldest daughter turned 17 a week ago, and his youngest daughter is only 7 months old.
Kobe Bryant was one of the most inspiring and successful NBA players of all time. Although he retired in 2016 after a 20-year-long career with the LA Lakers, he is still one of the greatest players in the game. His career is best acknowledged with Bryant being a five-time NBA champion and named an NBA All-Star 18 times.
Countless tributes poured in after the devastating news for the death of former Los Angeles Laker.
Many expressed their grief and honor for the beloved champion’s sudden death. One of the people who spoke movingly about Kobe Bryant’s legacy, was another NBA legend, Magic Johnson.
“I thought he was going to live forever. I thought he was invincible.”
Furthermore, Magic Johnson posted a heartbreaking photo of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. He is sending his prayers to Vanessa, Kobe’s wife, and their three children Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, as well as his entire family.
Many other basketball champions shared their grief for the death of one of the most extraordinary players of all time. Shaquille O’Neal, who won three NBA titles with Kobe for the LA Lakers, also honored his long-time friend.
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
The former professional basketball player O’Neal added a touching message:
“Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me’Arah.”
Additionally, the official Twitter profile of NBA posted a recording if the New Orleans Pelicans and the Boston Celtics, who started their game by each taking 24-second shot-clock violations in honor of Kobe Bryant.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, also an LA Lakers player from 1975-1989, recorded a moving video expressing his honor for the late basketball star: “He inspired a whole generation of athletes.”
Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020
Moreover, six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan released an emotional statement on Sunday, following Bryant’s tragic death. In the statement he says:
“I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe – he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much.”
Former U.S. President Barak Obama, a known basketball fan, called Kobe a “legend on the court”. He and his family are sending their love and prayers to Bryant’s family.
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
President Donald Trump also paid tribute to the late basketball player. Trump and his wife, Melania, send their warmest condolences to Bryant’s family.
Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2020
Overall, Kobe Bryant had an uplifting impact on the whole basketball world we know today. People from all around the globe gathered to pay tribute to the champion’s legacy.
What’s more, many were outside Staples center on Sunday, after hearing the heartbreaking news of Bryant’s death. No one can truly believe the legend is gone.
Heartbreak at the Staples Center as fans gather to remember one of the greatest athletes of all time. Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. #RIPMamba #Kobe pic.twitter.com/QYgro4NQ4S
— Gadi Schwartz (@GadiNBC) January 26, 2020
The last thing Bryant tweeted about was the spectacular shot that moved LeBron James into 3rd on the all-time scoring list. The late basketball legend shared his respect for King James.
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020