Today is a black day in the history of Basketball. The sport which united people of different backgrounds is witnessing the darkest time after the passing away of Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant, 41 and his daughter Gianna, 13, were killed in a horrific helicopter crash on Sunday in Calabasas. Extreme fog and harsh weather are being adjudged as the main reasons for the crash. The ill-fated aircraft was carrying nine people including Kobe and his daughter. All are confirmed dead.
At a time like this, all of NBA, celebrities, sportspersons, politicians and people all around the world have been pouring in tributes and support to the deceased and their families. Kobe played for LA Lakers for all of his career. He was a five-time NBA Champion. He is one of the best and most influential players on and off the court. He inspired players alike around the globe. Tributes came from places as far as Indonesia – where a new basketball court in honour of Bryant opened just hours before his death. Basketball games all over the world are observing silence for the departed legend.
Tonight we mourn the loss of a legend in Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.
Our players were touched, inspired and appreciative of the wisdom he shared with us in Dec. of 2018. Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to the victims of today’s tragedy and their families. pic.twitter.com/AI0sOm1OWI
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 27, 2020
Celebs and Stars poured all out on Social Media in memory of the player and his daughter. His daughter Gianna was just 13-yo at the time of her death. She had aspired to be a great basketball player when she grew up. But all her dreams were shattered following the crash on Sunday. Some of the first people to react to his death was Kylie Jenner. She had posted a photo of Kobe and his daughter Gigi(As she is fondly called) on Twitter. She said she is praying for their “beautiful family.” In the post Kylie conveyed that she is totally in shock after learning about the loss. Her heart goes out to Vanessa who lost a ‘husband and a beautiful daughter’ in one day.
at loss for words right now. praying for this beautiful family. pic.twitter.com/tjKUYXCUgb
— Kylie Jenner (@KylieJenner) January 26, 2020
U.S President Donald Trump tweeted “Terrible news. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating.”
Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2020
Kobe’s friends in the sport and outside poured in tributes too!!
NBA issued a statement, “devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning,”
Actor Hugh Jackman reminisced, “When I first came to America … it was Kobe, Shaq and the Lakers that made me fall in love with basketball. Kobe’s amazing talent, professionalism and love of the game was palpable. I’m so deeply saddened by this tragedy and send my love and prayers to all the families,”
When I first came to America … it was Kobe, Shaq and the Lakers that made me fall in love with basketball. Kobe’s amazing talent, professionalism and love of the game was palpable. I’m so deeply saddened by this tragedy and send my love and prayers to all the families.
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) January 27, 2020