January 26, 2020
Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports
Former Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant seated with his daughter Natalia attend the Lakers game against the Dallas Mavericks in Los Angeles on Dec. 29, 2019. Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Jan. 26, 2020.
Kobe Bryant's shocking death in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, rocked the sports world Sunday. TMZ Sports first reported the helicopter crash. Los Angeles County officials said nine people died in the crash, but they have not yet confirmed the victims' identities.
Bryant, 41, who was a star player at Lower Merion High School before being drafted directly into the NBA, was traveling in his private helicopter when it went down and a fire broke out.
Emergency personnel were called to the crash scene, but there were no survivors. Los Angeles County officials said nine people died in the crash. It was later confirmed that Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among the victims.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Fans, celebrities and athletes across all sports took to social media on Sunday to share their shock about the news and pay tribute to "The Black Mamba."
I’ve always wanted to be like you. Not only as a player but also as a person. You represent everything that is great about sports. #RIPKobe
— Claude Giroux (@28CGiroux) January 26, 2020
Heartbroken. The world needs people like Kobe... devastating. Wow. #MambaMentality
— Rhys Hoskins (@rhyshoskins) January 26, 2020
Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant - a sad day for all of sports - Kobe was a pioneer and legendary ambassador for the game of basketball . Thoughts and prayers go out to Kobe’s family . https://t.co/kn03JPIjzb
— Jay Wright (@VUCoachJWright) 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!!!!
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 26, 2020
RIP LEGEND
I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 26, 2020
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game! Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls. @kobebryant you were my biggest fan, but I was yours #RIPMAMBA @NBA @espn @SLAMonline pic.twitter.com/Ll0BD6VWgr
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) January 26, 2020
This is not real right now
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) January 26, 2020
Man, this HURTS‼️‼️😢😢😢#Kobe pic.twitter.com/egnO29er93
— Penny Hardaway (@Iam1Cent) January 26, 2020
Hurting Today! Praying for the Family, Friends, and Fans of the Great @kobebryant
— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) January 26, 2020
God Bless!!!
Watching the news reports & my heart is so torn like many of the fans that r devastated over the news of the tragedy involving @kobebryant HEARTBREAKING !
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 26, 2020
Rip @kobebryant 😔 doesn’t feel real.... my heart goes out to his family and loved ones 🦋 pic.twitter.com/0qQeBtsz6U
— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) January 26, 2020
Beyond devastated... my big brother... I can’t, I just can’t believe it
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 26, 2020
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 this is so sad! RIP💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/5ykf0drVSG
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) January 26, 2020
My heart and prayers go out to the Bryant family and the passengers’ families on this sad day.
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) January 26, 2020
The impact Kobe had on the world cannot be expressed in words. RIP to a legend and a friend... 🙏🏼
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
This news is killing me today... My childhood hero gone too soon. Better believe I got him!! RIP MAMBA #EpicSh*t pic.twitter.com/DNFAMD18N4
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) 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
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
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. pic.twitter.com/BHBPN5Wq8V
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
Sadly absorbing the tragic news about my teammates loss of his Son and granddaughter. Joe and Pam I humbly offer my condolences. Vanessa so sorry for your loss and pray you remain strong and focused on you and Kobe’s dreams for your family. Here Always for you...
— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) January 26, 2020
I’m hurt 😞
— Al Horford (@Al_Horford) January 26, 2020
The world is sick right now. #24
— Josuélito (@J_Rich1) January 26, 2020
Saddened by the loss of Icon @KobeBryant and his daughter Gigi. Prayers to his wife Vanessa and to each of the families affected. RIP Black Mamba!!! pic.twitter.com/V7ym1Cn0LW
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) January 26, 2020
As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/X2vF0M0a1u
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
He was such an icon but also did so much for LA. He was passionate about serving the homeless and was an advocate for women's basketball. Coaching his daughter’s basketball team brought him so much happiness.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
I love him, his family and what he stood for on the court and off the court.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) 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
He gave his knowledge, time, and talent to tutor so many at the youth level, collegiate level, & NBA & WNBA players. Words can’t express the impact that he had on the game of basketball. I know basketball fans all over the world will miss him, especially the City of Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/ZoB3Uwbvzk
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Kobe and I shared so many special conversations about life and basketball. We had so much in common off the court. I used to love talking to him about Lakers basketball, being fathers and husbands and how much we loved Italy. I will miss those conversations and him so much. pic.twitter.com/PIv7obzr2x
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Laker Nation, the game of basketball & our city, will never be the same without Kobe. Cookie & I are praying for Vanessa, his beautiful daughters Natalia, Bianka & Capri, as well as his parents Joe & Pam & his sisters. We will always be here for the Bryant family. pic.twitter.com/WWxmtEAJqZ
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
We love you forever. #8 #24🙏🏾❤️
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
My heart hurts for Kobe and his family. Life aint fair man. This cant be
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) January 26, 2020
(1/5) The Philadelphia 76ers organization mourns the losses of NBA icon Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and all of those who passed away tragically today in an accident in California.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 26, 2020
Bryant, one of the most decorated players in NBA history and a global ambassador...
(2/5) for the game, made an everlasting mark on our league. His determination, passion to win and fierce competitiveness fueled the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships and inspired millions of people around the world.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 26, 2020
Bryant’s journey to icon status in the world...
(3/5) of basketball included deep ties to the Philadelphia region, where he starred at Lower Merion High School from 1992-96. As he honed his craft in Philadelphia, Bryant established a reputation as a player with once-in-a-lifetime poise, grit, heart and an unwavering love...
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 26, 2020
(4/5) of the game.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 26, 2020
While his imprint on the game of basketball will be etched in the history books forever, Bryant will also be remembered for his love of his family, commitment to community through his philanthropic work, and for being an innovative leader in business.
(5/5) The 76ers organization sends its sincerest condolences to Vanessa Bryant and the Bryant family during this incredibly difficult time. We also send our condolences to Jeanie Buss, the Los Angeles Lakers organization and Kobe Bryant fans everywhere. pic.twitter.com/CCNO5zTCMW
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 26, 2020
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 26, 2020
There will never be another like you
— Rodney McLeod (@Rodney_McLeod4) January 26, 2020
R.I.P Kobe #MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/Akdv0TBnnt
He has been & will continue to be a blessing to so many around the world, by the legacy he has left behind! RIP Kobe... The Black Mamba!! #RIPKobe #RIPMAMBA #RIPGIGI 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/bXuqxlobLs
— Brian Dawkins (@BrianDawkins) January 26, 2020
MY FAVORITE ATHLETE EVER MAN..MY INSPIRATION!!!
— Sidney Jones IV (@SidneyJonesIV) January 26, 2020
I AM SICK RIGHT NOW!!! I CANT EVEN EXPRESS IT...SO HEARTBROKEN 😭 😭😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/U637drXTjl
A legend is gone too soon. RIP Kobe. #mamba
— Carson Wentz (@cj_wentz) January 26, 2020
The impact you had on many lives can never be measured. RIP Black Mamba🐍24/8. Prayers for your family and the families of the others who lost their lives as well. pic.twitter.com/QI8WYke6a5
— Jordan Howard (@JHowardx24) 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
From your love of your hometown of Philly to your competitiveness in everything to your legendary career to your Mamba Mentality to the speech you gave our team to how you were the definition of a true leader & man... RIP to a Legend, @kobebryant. 🐍 #MambaForever
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) January 26, 2020
Hurting. To say the least.... 😢😔 #MyHero pic.twitter.com/jrfl6EdeAB
— Tobias Harris (@tobias31) January 26, 2020
Statement from Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com/oI7w6e7HLI
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) January 26, 2020
A statement from Sixers GM Elton Brand on Kobe Bryant: pic.twitter.com/FBtpe2zTaV
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) January 26, 2020
Drove to Lower Merion. This shit is so surreal man I wish someone would tell me this isn’t really happening.
— biryani prince (@drpreezy) January 26, 2020
RIP to my hero #24 #8 pic.twitter.com/201vSelNBN
❤️❤️
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 26, 2020
Fans have gathered outside of Lower Merion High School, where Kobe Bryant played high school basketball to honor his memory on this devastating day. pic.twitter.com/pR8jIJGCfT
The tribute continues as fans show up to Kobe Bryant Gymnasium at Lower Merion to honor the legacy of the star. pic.twitter.com/LJudVLwoiX
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 26, 2020
Different people at different times but a constant crowd stands in silence at the #Kobe memorial outside Lower Merion High School. @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/IQBctCk73y
— Steven Fisher (@Steven_Fisher10) January 26, 2020
R.I.P. Kobe Bean Bryant. The memorial earlier today at Lower Merion High School outside the doors of The Bryant Gymnasium. pic.twitter.com/R63ngwsodz
— Urban Radio Nation - Radio, Media, Sports, Culture (@UrbnRadioNation) January 26, 2020
The scene at Lower Merion. pic.twitter.com/X04gBLaD3n
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) January 26, 2020
This one hurts. I was actually at Lower Merion High School (coaching my son's team) at Kobe Bryant Gym when the news broke so it really hit home. There are people you don't know personally, but they impact you and your better off with them being here. RIP (this one is tough).
— Getbretweir (@getbretweir2) January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant was my HERO growing up. Even to this day he was an inspiration to the way I approached things. I woke up every day and saw this quote every time I opened my phone. His mentality motivated me not only in hard times but throughout my whole life. RIP, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/VtoYenQaYt
— Brooks Koepka (@BKoepka) January 26, 2020
The game has lost a real champion. Our thoughts & prayers go out to the Bryant family & the families of those lost today. pic.twitter.com/LLLBMJCUUm
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) January 26, 2020
Mamba Forever. pic.twitter.com/wIchSUwFM2
— Nike (@Nike) January 26, 2020
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/P88GwIwmYV
— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2020
This is one of those days everyone will remember where they were when we lost a legend. Kobe an amazing basketball player but even better husband, father, friend, MENTOR. It doesn’t seem real. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and families.
— Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker) January 27, 2020
Rest In Peace, Bean. pic.twitter.com/eveHbXyijL
— Aaron McKie (@TUcoachMcKie) January 26, 2020
Charles Barkley honors Kobe, Gigi, and all the families and friends of those killed in Sunday’s crash. pic.twitter.com/hOSoIs3B1Z
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 27, 2020
