A horrific helicopter crash in the Calabasas area of California has claimed the life of basketball great Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, 13.
Kobe Bryant — Dead At 41
According to ABC News, the crash took place at around 10 am, PST and claimed five lives total. There were no survivors from the freak and deadly accident. People soon reported that his daughter Gianna also perished.
As of now, there is no information on who the helicopter belonged to, as well as no known reason for the crash that resulted in a fire a quarter-acre wide that rescue teams were still putting out two hours later. ABC news reports witnesses saw the helicopter was in trouble moments before the fatal crash.
Bryant, age 41, had spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, being drafted for the NBA soon after high school. During his two decades with the team, he won five NBA championships. In 2012, Bryant was chosen as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald’s All-Americans.
The news of Bryant’s passing hit the world like a truck and tweets of shock and grief appeared all over social media and are still appearing. The entertainment world, based mainly out of Los Angeles, was shocked.
Bryant hailed from Philadelphia, PA. He and his daughter are survived by his wife, Vanessa, whom he married in 2001, and their three other children.
Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020
As I tweet through my tears, I am so hurt. I cannot stop crying. Kobe was instrumental to so many people. There is a hole in the basketball world and will be for a long time. Rest in heavenly peace. #KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/52I83A0Q0n
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) January 26, 2020
What sudden & tragic news. We just lost one of the greatest players of all time. Hold your loved ones close! Prayers for #KobeBryant’s family 🙏♥️ pic.twitter.com/WcQckm7BO9
— Marie Osmond (@marieosmond) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe, hero to many including my grandson, extraordinary athlete and always kind to me & my family. My deepest condolences to his family
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) January 26, 2020
Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant .💔An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well.
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) January 26, 2020
My💔Goes Out To Kobe’s Family,Friends,Fans. It’s SO HARD To Deal With The Death Of a GREAT STAR,Because We Feel As If We Knew Them Personally.Kobe Bryant Was a GREAT ATHLETE,& All Of America Will Feel His Loss.
The 🌎 Has Lost a Bright Light ✨🌟✨.— Cher (@cher) January 26, 2020
I cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god.
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 26, 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
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