Sad News: Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash

Picture Courtesy of Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA • CC BY-SA 2.0

NBA MVP and superstar who had a 20 year career with the Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant 41, and his daughter Gianna 13, were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Sunday.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Kobe Bryant.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/P88GwIwmYV

— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2020

In a statement released by the Atlanta Hawks, “We are stunned and profoundly saddened by the tragic news of the deaths of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. Today our NBA family lost one of its modern-day leaders and a champion who inspired so many of this generation’s current players. His insatiable drive, legendary competitive spirit and dedication to the game will forever be remembered and live on through the era of players, fans and athletes around the world who were inspired by his greatness.  The entire Hawks organization sends our deepest condolences to Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, their entire family and to the families of the other passengers involved in this heartbreaking accident.”

Statement from the Atlanta Hawks on the passing of Kobe Bryant: https://t.co/MBMwcAVr1l pic.twitter.com/Hv9xRY3EsI

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 27, 2020

Fans, former teammates, coaches and celebrities have posted tweets on Twitter.

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

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

I mourn with the world. Lost a legend. No words. I’m messed up. RIP @kobebryant , Gianna and the rest of the passengers

— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) January 27, 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 (@EllenDeGeneres) January 26, 2020

"The desire to win. He brought it each and every night."

Tiger Woods, a lifelong Lakers fan, shares what he will remember most about Kobe Bryant. (via @PGATOUR)pic.twitter.com/o5AFZh02g5

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 27, 2020

Coach Pop on Kobe Bryant's legacy.

(via @NBATV)pic.twitter.com/oKGOIQatST

— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) January 27, 2020

My heart hurts so much right now. I still can't wrap my head around this. How can it be?

I learned so much from Kobe Bryant. He was naturally gifted, but had a passion for basketball like no one else I've ever seen. pic.twitter.com/72OX3Z8Sv9

— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) January 27, 2020

https://twitter.com/tonyparker/status/1221527048771883008?s=21

I am truly at a loss! No words seem appropriate enough. I’ve cried and hugged every member of my family. Kobe was awesome to me the one time I met him. Prayers go up to the Bryant family as well as the other passengers families. What a sad day! #RIPMamba

— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) January 26, 2020