NBA star Kobe Bryant and daughter, Gianna Bryant died in a helicopter crash on Sunday along with 9 others near Calabasas, Calif.
Kobe Bryant is one of the best and world-famous basketball players who dedicated his entire 20-years-long career playing for the National Basketball Association (NBA). He went on to win five NBA championships and got into NBA directly after his high school. Fondly called 'The Mamba', Kobe played for the Los Angeles Lakers and was awarded NBA most valuable player in 2008. He retired as the third-leading scorer in 2016.
The player and his daughter, Gianna were on their way with 9 others to an academy where he coached her team. According to reports, it will take several days to recover the bodies as the helicopter crashed near Calabasas, Calif. The NBA officials confirmed the news Sunday. Fans have been pouring their hearts out and paying their respects to their favourite star in an impromptu memorial outside the Mamba sports academy where he trained his daughter and her team. Many also shared their tribute on social media platforms. Celebrities and fans took to social media to pay tribute to their Mamba!
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Take a look:
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"Probably the hardest game I ever had to play."
— AJ McCord (@AJ_McCord) January 27, 2020
Carmelo Anthony says he spoke w/Kobe Bryant a few days ago & the two made plans to get together when the Blazers were in LA later this week
Asked why he played today: "knowing him the way I know him he would've wanted me to play" pic.twitter.com/eGLy4vge2f
The Celtics discuss the impact that Kobe Bryant had on their lives. pic.twitter.com/5qVfK2jfaz
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 27, 2020
Your memory lives everywhere, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/Wi1CRE1pqs
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 27, 2020
View this post on InstagramToo soon to say it again, but .. Thank You, @kobebryant . #Mamba #Mambacita ??
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Kobe reminded us all that we can work harder, get better, do better, be better. Our family prays for grace and courage to the Bryant family and to others of those who moved on today. jk livin
— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) January 27, 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
Five-star senior Jalen Green (@JalenRomande), dropped 41 points this evening in honor of Kobe Bryant’s tragic death.
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) January 27, 2020
He played in Kobe’s tonight and warmed up in a shirt with Kobe on it.
Very thoughtful reflections from Damian Lillard tonight on the passing of Kobe Bryant: pic.twitter.com/qGIka0YWfi
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) January 27, 2020
I’m going home to hug my babies and tell my loved ones I love them. Sending love to everyone out there to do the same. RIP Kobe. Thanks
— Scooter Braun (@scooterbraun) January 27, 2020
Long Live KOBE BRYANT! Legends NEVER Die! #KobeBryant ✨✨✨ pic.twitter.com/pjcljBYYDR
— Mohamed Al Maeeni (@redbey) January 27, 2020
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Repost from @Robin_McGraw:
— Dr. Phil (@DrPhil) January 27, 2020
Phillip and I send our deepest, most profound condolences to the Bryant family and to everyone touched by both Kobe and Gigi. Our hearts are also completely broken for the families and friends of those traveling with them. Life is so precious pic.twitter.com/ddAsCQCELU
Kobe once told me that J was the Oprah of Sports. He’d be proud of this piece. Hard to write, I know, but fine work. Xo https://t.co/hPPQIpsdPs
— KelleyLCarter (@KelleyLCarter) January 27, 2020
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I found the words. My piece for the @TheAtlantic on @kobebryant. Hardest column I’ve ever written and I cried through most of it https://t.co/cj0qiAyZIM
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) January 27, 2020
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I feel lucky that I got to see Kobe play. I even saw his 2nd last home game. I never knew him personally but saw the impact he left on so many people & that is inspirational. I always think heros are invincible & it reminds me that we never know what’s next so b kind to eachother
— ALISON WONDERLAND (@awonderland) January 27, 2020
Legends live on through the legacy they leave behind to inspire the world. A big big loss. RIP #KobeBryant, May god give strength to your family. pic.twitter.com/uL0y9rclR1
— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) January 27, 2020
Saddened to hear about the tragic demise of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna & others on-board the helicopter.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 27, 2020
My condolences to his family, friends and fans across the world. #KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/N8B4Tcr4KU
Tomorrow is never promised so hold the ones you love a little tighter and tell them how much you love them today. Rest in peace Kobe and Gianna. My condolences lie with the families of all those who lost their lives in the crash.??? #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/TKWpw2nwuE
— Jackky Bhagnani (@jackkybhagnani) January 27, 2020
Speechless,the world has lost a Legendary Athlete,R.I.P The #BlackMamba of Basketball, Kobe Bryant & his daughter,Gianna.
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 27, 2020
What u have done for so many kids including my niece whom u inspired to play basketball every day of her childhood,may u both comfort each other in heaven?? pic.twitter.com/qwQ8CffQ5F
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He was great,charismatic & among the hardest-working athletes ever,but what impressed me most was how deeply-involved Kobe was with his 4 daughters. Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents & his fellow passengers' families on this sad and shocking day. We will never forget you Kobe
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) January 26, 2020
— Gutta Jwala (@Guttajwala) January 27, 2020
Grammy awards also paid their respect as they kept the spotlight on Kobe's jersey lit for the entire show while artists sang for him.
View this post on InstagramWhen artists come together to celebrate the great @nipseyhussle and the great @kobebryant ? #GRAMMYs
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May his soul RIP.