
The sports world is reacting to the tragic deaths of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria, who were killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning.
First reported by TMZ, Kobe and Maria were among a group of people travelling in Kobe’s private helicopter to basketball practice near Thousand Oaks, California. LA Country Sheriffs confirmed there were five fatalities in the accident, though victims have not been publicly identified.
TMZ first reported that the helicopter crashed around 10 am. ESPN, ABC, the LA Times, and Variety have also now confirmed Bryant was on the helicopter.
The 18-time NBA All-Star played his entire 20-season career with the LA Lakers, leading the team to five NBA championships. He scored a total of 33,643 points during his career, and retired from after the 2015-16 season.
Bryant is survived by his wife, Vanessa, and, now, three children: Natalia, Bianka, and newborn Capri.
Can’t be true.
Just can’t be.
Truly truly horrific.Rest In Peace Kobe.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 26, 2020
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
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
Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 26, 2020
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
Devastated.
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) January 26, 2020
Quit playing
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) January 26, 2020
We can never forget how precious life is. How those who are special to you and never let them forget how deeply you love them
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 26, 2020
Kobe,
Thank you for inspiring all athletes to dream bigger, work harder, and be greater.
Thank you for keeping young kids like me out of trouble, because we were too busy working to be just like you.
Thank you Kobe, just for being you. https://t.co/8tkKBQZmSq
— Emmanuel Acho (@thEMANacho) January 26, 2020
This is such a tragedy. So devastating. This can’t be real life… RIP 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/fLYbAbXUYg
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) January 26, 2020
Along with our NBA family, we are united in grief and deeply saddened at the loss of one of the greatest players in our sport.
Full Team Statement on the passing of Kobe Bryant: https://t.co/JXCC2PdB3N pic.twitter.com/zZqJ4xQTJj
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 26, 2020
— NHL (@NHL) January 27, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Bryant family. RIP Kobe and daughter Gianna
— Mitchell Marner (@Marner93) January 27, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bryant Family and others involved in this tragedy. Kobe was an icon and someone I looked to for inspiration as an athlete. Thank you 🙏🏼 #BlackMamba pic.twitter.com/Lz8kyE47ds
— Nathan Thompson (@NateThompson44) January 26, 2020
Father, husband, legend… a true icon in every sense of the word. My heart aches for the family and friends of Kobe and Gigi. Such a terrible tragedy. Thoughts and prayers are with them and the families of the three other victims. Sad day. #RIPMAMBA pic.twitter.com/B00pnBg21D
— Max Domi (@max_domi) January 26, 2020
“He was the man in L.A. He brought a lot of championships to that city… a lot of blood, sweat and tears. It’s terrible news.” Tanner Pearson comments on today’s tragic Kobe Bryant news. pic.twitter.com/vcIdd8IWby
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) January 27, 2020
I’m still in shock. I feel for his family and friends. He made everyone better. Can’t believe your gone @kobebryant
— Todd Frazier (@FlavaFraz21) January 26, 2020
Sad day 😢 ! Rest In Peace Legend 🙏🏼❤️
Kobe Bryant #24 #RIP pic.twitter.com/SeYQTxElLD— Fabio Quartararo (@FabioQ20) January 26, 2020
Horrible and awful news to see the passing of a legend @kobebryant
— Nadia Comaneci (@nadiacomaneci10) January 26, 2020
YOU WILL NEVER DIE 🐐🐐🐐
–#KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/G8gtVTmv5W— Achille Polonara (@ilpupazzo33) January 26, 2020
RIP #KobeBryant!!! Can’t believe it 😧 https://t.co/b1Osbv5QYy
— Florin Andone (@FlorinAndone11) January 26, 2020
R.I.P. Kobe Bryant. A great, a legend, someone to truly idolize. My condolences go out to his family and to the families of those who lost their lives as well.
— Tavon Austin (@Tayaustin01) January 26, 2020
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