Tributes are pouring in for Kobe Bryant, the 41-year-old former Lakers basketball player who tragically died on Sunday in a private helicopter crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.
It is now thought that 9 people have tied in the crash that occurred in Calabasas, California and it remains unknown how the crash occurred at 10am local time just behind Kourtney Kardashian’s house.
Widely considered as one of the best Basketball players, ever, Kobe retired from Basketball in 2016 after a 20-year long career with the LA Lakers was a five-time NBA champion and was named an NB All-Star 18 times. He finished his career as the Lakers’ all-time leading points scorer and is fourth on the NBA’s all-time list with 33,643 points. Kobe went on to win an Oscar for his short film, Dear Basketball, based on a love letter he wrote to the sport back in 2015.
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The crash occurred ahead of the Grammy Awards 2020 with many taking to the red carpet to share their condolences with Kobe’s family. Many fans gathered at the Staples Center where Kobe played and is close to the location of the Grammy’s to pay their respects. Priyanka Chopra even wrote 24 onto her nails for Kobe’s Lakers number.
Alicia Keys lead an on stage tribute to Kobe at the start of the Grammy Awards 2020 saying, “We’re standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built.” The presenter of the awards ceremony then went on to perform a devastating duet with Boys II Men as the emotional audience looked on.
Leading the tributes online was former US President Barack Obama who wrote on Twitter: “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act.”
Kim Kardashian took to Instagram to share her thoughts. The star said, “My heart is so heavy. No one should ever experience what the families involved are going through. This has affected us all so much, but I cannot begin to imagine what Vanessa is feeling losing her husband and her baby girl. I cry just thinking about it. I am praying for the Bryant family, the Altobelli family and the families of all who perished in this unthinkable tragedy. Rest In Peace Legend.”
Chrissy Teigen also shared her thoughts on Twitter saying, “I cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god.” She later tweeted, “Downtown right now and nothing feels more unimportant than what we are doing today. This is absolutely terrible. Everyone is numb.”
Gigi Hadid posted on Instagram to share her grief saying, “This is too much. Rest In Peace and love together, legends. Growing up a Kobe fan brought so much joy to my life, like so many, and we were all so excited to see sweet Gigi play someday. Sending strength and my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Bryant family, and all the families affected by this tragedy.”
Our thoughts are with Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant’s friends and family and the family and friends of the yet unnamed passengers.
