On Sunday, the world was stunned to learn about the death of Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter accident, which also took the life of one of his daughters and several other people in Calabasas, Calif.
Bryant was on his way to a travel basketball game with his daughter Gianna, 13, when the helicopter crashed, according to multiple sources. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in a news conference that there were no survivors, and ESPN reported there were nine people on board the helicopter.
Bryant, 41, was adored by fans young and old and helped lead the Lakers to five NBA championships during his 20-year career. News traveled quickly and the world of sports took to social media to offer its prayers to the Bryant family:
My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It’s hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players. pic.twitter.com/NXsrXmCkkG
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Speechless on this plane ride home! A sad day bruh! RIP Kobe Bean Bryant! Prayers go to his family and loved ones 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 This doesn’t even feel real man..
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/tonyparker/status/1221527048771883008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1221527048771883008&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2Fnba%2Fstory%2F_%2Fid%2F28569415%2Fthe-nba-world-mourns-death-kobe-bryant
This is heartbreaking….can’t even put it into words….anyone that knows me knows how much Kobe means to me….blessed to have been able to call you a brother 🙏🏾 Rest in Power Mamba and Gigi. Praying for Vanessa, the kids and your whole family. pic.twitter.com/tEH3ZDUjjo
— Harrison Barnes (@hbarnes) January 26, 2020
Words are tough to find right now. Truly heart broken and praying for each family involved. It was an honor to compete against you. pic.twitter.com/aYF5UNlZzy
— Mike Conley (@mconley11) January 26, 2020
To my favorite Athlete Of All Time @kobebryant I love you bro & Rest In Peace to you & your daughter Gianna♥️ I pray God covers your family. 🙏🏾😢🐍8&24FOREVER
— Derrick Henry (@KingHenry_2) January 26, 2020
How sobering is this tragedy of @kobebryant his daughter and all on board the helicopter. Life is fleeting, especially in comparison to eternity. Love God, Love others & steward your short time here in preparation of meeting our Heavenly Father! Don’t waste ⌚️#Lordhavemercy pic.twitter.com/c4RuI2u4MD
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) January 26, 2020
Man not Kobe… Prayers to his family and friends! #RIPMamba
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) January 26, 2020
Janet and I have no words to describe our shock and sadness on the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant today. Praying for him and his family. 🙏
— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) January 26, 2020
Tragic news about @kobebryant
Heartbroken for his wife and 4 daughters who won’t have him by their side the rest of their lives. 🙏🏻— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) January 26, 2020
It’s difficult when a man with such an incredible reach passes suddenly. A painful reminder that tomorrow is never guaranteed. Praying for those families impacted by this loss, as well as all the athletes and young people across the world that were inspired through Kobe’s life.
— Johnny Hekker (@JHekker) January 27, 2020
🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿Prayers up to the Bryant and Altobelli family! Fathers, husbands, wives, mothers, sisters and daughters were lost today.
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) January 27, 2020
Kobe’s NBA career was remarkable – I’m thankful I got to see him play in person in 2013 at the Staples Center.
Today is a sad day – I know Kobe will be missed by many. Dowd and I are praying for his family and those affected by the crash. #KobeBryant
— Webb Simpson (@webbsimpson1) January 27, 2020
only one Black Mamba
thoughts and prayers with all the families impacted by today.
hold your loved ones close ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WUvQnaNiS9— Jack Flaherty (@jflare_) January 27, 2020
Prayers go out to his wife, daughters, family, and the family members of the other passengers on board the helicopter. Thank you for the impact you have made in the city of Los Angeles and around the world. Life is so precious. Hold on to your loved ones. Rest In Peace Kobe 💔 pic.twitter.com/e8yfBnEWka
— Gyasi Zardes (@gyasinho) January 26, 2020
Please continue to join us in praying for Vanessa Bryant, the entire Bryant family, and the families of all that perished in this tragic accident.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18