NBA legend Kobe Bryant killed in helicopter crash
FILE - In this June 7, 2009 file photo, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant points to a player behind him after making a basket in the closing seconds against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the NBA basketball finals in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
NBA legend Kobe Bryant was among nine people who died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday morning. Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna was also killed in the crash. Bryant was 41.
Bryant was on his way to a youth basketball game with Gianna and seven other passengers when the helicopter went down early Sunday morning. The cause of the crash is still to be determined.
The news of Bryant’s death, first reported by TMZ, came as a shock to the world. Bryant was active on social media the night before, congratulating LeBron James on Twitter for passing him on the NBA all-time scoring list.
James had inscribed “Mamba 4 Life” and “8/24 KB” on his sneakers before Saturday’s game to show his respect for Bryant. James was among the many NBA legends — past and present — who took to social media to respond to the shocking news on Sunday afternoon.
Bryant was one of the most accomplished players in NBA history. An 18-time All-Star, Bryant played his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He won five NBA championships with the Lakers and two gold medals with team USA. He was also named league MVP in 2008.
Bryant would have been eligible for enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame (HOF) later this year. According to a statement by HOF chairman Jerry Colangelo, “Kobe will be honored the way he should be.”
In this Feb. 14, 2016 file photo, Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant hugs his daughter Gianna on the court during warm-ups before the NBA All-Star Game in Toronto. (Mark Blinch/The Canadian Press via AP)
The news of Bryant’s death became even more tragic when it was revealed that one of his beloved daughters was also killed in the crash. As much as Bryant was known for being a fierce competitor, he was equally known for being a loving father.
“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a public statement.
“He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary … But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability,” Silver said. “He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna … We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”
Bryant’s “second act” had just begun, and it was off to an incredible start. He won an Academy Award in 2018 for “Dear Basketball,” an animated short based on the poem he wrote upon his retirement. He also created a children’s book series that became a New York Time’s bestseller.
Thousands of people gathered outside Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon to remember Bryant’s legacy. Millions of others were glued to their phones and televisions as news coverage unraveled the tragic reality.
“When I read the news I couldn’t believe it. I came to tears realizing that my childhood hero had passed away,” said Anthony Jones, a sophomore business major and life-long Kobe fan. “Kobe meant so much more to the world than just basketball. His life was just getting started.”
Across the NBA, teams honored Bryant by letting 24 seconds run off the clock. The Atlanta Hawks, along with several other teams, took an eight-second backcourt violation. The gestures served as an homage to Kobe’s two numbers — 8 and 24 — both retired by the Lakers.
Support continues to pour in on social media for the Bryant family and the others affected by this devastating incident. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.
