Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died Sunday in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. He was 41.
What We Know:
- Bryant’s unexpected departure not only took the NBA community by storm, but the entire sports world. His illustrious career on the court transcended basketball, and it is safe to say he was one of the world’s most influential individuals.
- Along with the basketball super star was his daughter Gianna (Gigi) at 13 years old, who also unfortunately passed in the crash, according to an early report by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva told reporters that 9 people were on board the aircraft including the pilot. This Father-Daughter posted by Madelyn Burke was captured just a few weeks ago.
This was just a few weeks ago. Life is short, tell someone you love them today #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/abJBHd9Ql7
— Madelyn Burke (@MadelynBurke) January 26, 2020
- Having one of the greatest careers in NBA history, he went on to becoming one of the association’s most popular players and face of the 16-time NBA champion Lakers franchise. He was the league MVP in 2008, two-time NBA scoring champion, in addition to other league recognition and Olympic medals.
- News of Bryant’s death sent a wave of shock throughout those in the sports world as many other athletes, public figures and media outlets expressed their thoughts on his passing.
"I just don't feel like broadcasting. I know a lot of the players don't feel like playing. It's just a sad, sad day."
—Mike Breen speaking emotionally about the death of Kobe Bryant at the Nets-Knicks game pic.twitter.com/TsNMebIU3O
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 27, 2020
- After retiring, Bryant remained hugely popular with basketball fans worldwide, became a cultural icon and dived into other projects such as opening a production company. In 2018, he won an Oscar for his contributions to Dear Basketball, an animated short about his relationship to the game of basketball.
Our thoughts are with the Bryant family. May Kobe and Gigi rest in peace.
