Main image via LA Times + Facebook
Waking up today, we were shocked to see headlines everywhere that read that basketball icon, Kobe Bryant has passed away at the age of 41.
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Image via Facebook
E! News confirmed that the basketball star was killed on Sunday morning when his private helicopter crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California.
“The Sikorsky S-76 helicopter crashed not far from a water plant, amid foggy conditions. A brush fire erupted at the crash site and firefighters had to hike up the hillside to extinguish it while other emergency workers searched the wreckage for survivors,” E! reported.
At a press conference, authorities noted that nine people were on board the helicopter and unfortunately, no one survived including Kobe’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Bryant.
Image via LA Times
According to CNN, the retired Lakers star and his daughter, Gianna aka Gigi, were expected at his Mamba Sports Academy where Kobe serves as a coach and Gigi was set to play.
Kobe and his wife Vanessa Bryant have three other children together, 17-year-old Natalia, 3-year-old Bianka, and 7-month-old baby Capri.
Fellow NBA players, celebrities and fans alike flocked to social media to mourn the loss of one of the best NBA players of all time.
NBPA Statement on the passing of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/iWDBcV7c2N
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) January 26, 2020
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
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
Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 26, 2020
My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can’t fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) January 26, 2020
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
This can’t be real 💔💔💔💔 there’s no way!!! My heart hurts
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) January 26, 2020
Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant .💔An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well.
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) January 26, 2020
Legends never die.... they just fade away... RIP @kobebryant pic.twitter.com/LOEcMNtdcD
— Tre⚜️ (@Tre_Potts) January 26, 2020
No matter what sport you play, Kobe Bryant was the definition of a champion. The #MambaMentality is the golden standard for athletes worldwide.
— The Spring League (@TheSpringLeague) January 26, 2020
Farewell, Kobe 😢 pic.twitter.com/9cJW7DxiU6
Rest In Peace KING and PRINCESS 💔😭 pic.twitter.com/WWeshCuuOe
— Pat (@PatrickPaulxo) January 26, 2020
Forever 2⃣4⃣🙏 #Kobe pic.twitter.com/Ip01vRjp70
— Eurosport IT (@Eurosport_IT) January 26, 2020
RIP sir @kobebryant and to your daughter Giana. I wish you find peace wherever you are 🙏 pic.twitter.com/TDiGfEyrXI
— kinggg (@lord_vitch) January 26, 2020
RIP 💐 Kobe 1978-2020 🥺
— 😈 ℍ𝕀𝕋𝕄𝔸ℕ [_︻┳テ╦═── (@1daavi) January 26, 2020
RIP 💐 Gianna 2006 -2020 😭💔
pic.twitter.com/pqyuuDNOpr
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.”
— टुईटर मन्त्री™ (@Rocks_Suman1) January 26, 2020
Your legacy will live on, Kobe. Your's fans love you. ❤️ #RIPBlackMamba pic.twitter.com/m18zuKt6pU
— Curven (@cwo2002) January 26, 2020
"mamba out" 😢😢 pic.twitter.com/ru1Owdj2rV
— socratös (@toutalier) January 26, 2020
Our thoughts, love and prayers are with Kobe’s loved ones during this extremely difficult and shocking time.
RIP Kobe and Gigi Bryant.
Info via E! Online
