Multiple outlets reported Sunday that Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant had died in a helicopter crash and that his daughter Gianna was also onboard.
Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
Sources: Kobe Bryant was on his way to a travel basketball game with his daughter Gianna when the helicopter crashed. Those aboard the helicopter also included another player and parent.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
Bryant led the Lakers to five NBA titles in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. He is considered one of the defining NBA players of his time.
NBA players and public figures reported to the news on social media.
Can’t be real
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) January 26, 2020
Enjoy every single day people, we are always too worried about things that are actually not that important. Life is precious and you never now when it’s gonna end.
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) January 26, 2020
Please God don’t let this be real!! https://t.co/cOXyAehJgU
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) January 26, 2020
Michael Jordan on death of Kobe Bryant: “Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe — he was like a little brother to me.” pic.twitter.com/r8JNMjfuRR
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) 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 am at a loss for words..Kobe and Gianna you will never be forgotten. What a blessing to see your impact you have had in this world, Kobe. Prayers for the Bryant family. Rest In Peace, little brother and Gigi.. pic.twitter.com/x6EkJaARDD
— Karl Malone (@TheDeliverer_32) 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
I love him, his family and what he stood for on the court and off the court.
— 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
We love you forever. #8 #24🙏🏾❤️
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Thoughts and prayers to the family of #Kobe Bryant and those who lost loved ones in today’s tragic crash. Rest In Peace.
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) January 26, 2020
Can’t be true.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 26, 2020
Just can’t be.
Truly truly horrific.
Rest In Peace Kobe.
Kobe’s final tweet 😭😭😭 https://t.co/DEaCeuFrzm
— Joshua Axelrod (@jaxelburgh) January 26, 2020
Man no!
— Mike Conley (@mconley11) January 26, 2020
Legend....RIP. pic.twitter.com/FGyYbfGC5v
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 26, 2020
Can’t believe it... Twitter is the wrong forum for days like this but man...
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) January 26, 2020
I’m heartbroken. Kobe Bryant had so much more to share with the world. It was amazing seeing him transition into his post-playing career. We were only seeing the start with films, TV, his book, and simply being a father to his four daughters. Awful he’s been robbed of more life. pic.twitter.com/3wJa8OMLH5
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) 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
Wow.
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) January 26, 2020
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
#RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/EjZuxlGRes
— Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) January 26, 2020
This is how I will forever remember Kobe: https://t.co/iDDzDgbsJq
— Rachel Hopmayer (@rachelhopmayer) January 26, 2020
Immediately thought of this GIF. Four daughters lost their dad, and a wife lost her husband.
— Deniz S. (@MrFilmkritik) January 26, 2020
RIP to one of the all time greats, Kobe Bryant. #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/i1utygbH27
💛💜💛💜
— Brian De Los Santos (@bdelossantos1) January 26, 2020
Kobe’s final message to his fans and family. Right after he dropped 60 points in his last game. An absolute legend gone way too soon. #RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/5gpbKCQSUJ
— Spencer Wheelock (@SpencerWheelock) January 26, 2020
Such sad news. Kobe was one of the greatest players ever. My prayers are with his family. https://t.co/MrFqWZKQ8A
— Darrell Issa (@DarrellIssa) January 26, 2020
So awful https://t.co/DR0wspPSa1
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) January 26, 2020
Kobe you were my idol... period. Mentality through and through. Thank you. To your family, I wish y’all nothing but the very best. Prayers and thoughts with you don’t begin to describe what we want for y’all. Love and respect to #8 & #24 forever. #MambaMentality #Mamba
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) January 26, 2020
Devastated. @kobebryant was always great with me. His support of women’s sports & those of us that cover them was unwavering. The last thing he said to me was, “If you ever need anything, I got you.” Grateful for his gracious spirit. ❤️ is breaking for his family #Kobe pic.twitter.com/sMaCQrjiN5
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) January 26, 2020
Such a sad day. RIP to a legend. He was an inspiration to so many including myself. Prayers to his loved ones right now. #mamba
— Jimmer Fredette (@jimmerfredette) January 26, 2020
Brooooooooo 😩 this one hurts!!!!!!! RIP Kobe 🙏🏾
— ZMO✝️ (@PresMoss2) January 26, 2020
More than an Athlete R.I.P Kobe #24 🏀🐍
— Eric Rowe (@TheEricRowe) January 26, 2020
My favorite basketball player and someone who inspired me to be great at sports. RIP KOBE https://t.co/MXHcMajth0
— Francis Bernard (@FrancisJBernard) January 26, 2020
Hurting like the rest of the world right now but not as much as Kobe’s Family. Everybody keep them in your thoughts and prayers #RIPKobe
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 26, 2020
Beyond devastated... my big brother... I can’t, I just can’t believe it
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 26, 2020