Sources confirm that Kobre Bryant was killed Sunday morning in a helicopter Crash in Calabasas.
The legendary NBA All-Star played his entire 20-year career with the LA Lakers, was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, member of the All-Defensive team 12 times, won 5 NBA Championships and was NBA's MVP in 2008.
The private aircraft, reportedly belonged to him, and was carrying at least 3 other people when it went down in Calabasas, CA on the morning of Sunday, Jan 26. Sadly, none of the people on board survived. 5 people have been confirmed dead. Sadly, Kobe's daughter, Giana, 13 has died alongside him.
Kobe leaves behind his wife Vanessa, 37, who was not with Kobe at the time of the crash, and their three surviving daughters: Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and Capri, 7 months.
Bryant, a surefire Hall of Famer, was the third-leading scorer in NBA history until only yesterday, when Lebron James passed his 33,643 points. James donned a special pair of Nike shoes during the game with Bryant's initials, jersey numbers and "Mamba 4 Life," a reference to Kobe's nickname.
Bryant congratulated James on the milestone after the game:
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
After news of Bryant's death broke, Hollywood, the sports world and fans and even Donald Trump were quick to react.
Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2020
Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 26, 2020
I cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god.
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 26, 2020
I'm so sad and stunned right now. In Staples Arena, where Kobe created so many memories for all of us, preparing to pay tribute to another brilliant man we lost too soon, Nipsey Hussle. Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes. Hold on to your loved ones. We miss you, Kobe
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 26, 2020
— Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) January 26, 2020
Today we @WaltDisneyCo mourn the tragic loss of @kobebryant...a giant in sports and a person so full of life. Terrible news and so hard to process....
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) January 26, 2020
Please don’t let this be True. I’m shaking 💔
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) January 26, 2020
No words for the shocking and devastating news about Kobe Bryant. Absolutely heartbroken for his family.
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) January 26, 2020
The great #KobeBryant has died. I am so sorry for his family, friends and fans. I was just knocked out by his extraordinary talent and he was such a vivid presence in all our lives. Godspeed.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) January 26, 2020
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
Can’t be true.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 26, 2020
Just can’t be.
Truly truly horrific.
Rest In Peace Kobe.
Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 26, 2020
Kobe was a real life super hero on that court & I’m sure he was one to his family. Sending love and prayers to them. This is heartbreaking.
— Bruno Mars (@BrunoMars) January 26, 2020
Incredibly sad news about @kobebryant Prayers and condolences to his family. #RIPMamba 🙏 ❤️
— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) January 26, 2020
I’m heartbroken by this news, Kobe was a true legend.
