Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died Sunday morning in a helicopter crash. The 41-year-old Bryant and his daughter were reportedly going to her travel basketball game. All nine people aboard the helicopter were killed. Three other victims include Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and daughter Alyssa. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva says, “We do know that there were issues of visibility.”
NBA teams and players across the league paid tribute after learning of the tragic death of legend Kobe Bryant. Some teams held the ball for 24 seconds and eight seconds in the backcourt in honor Bryant’s No. 24 and No. 8 jerseys. The Spurs and Raptors were the first teams to do it, as Toronto dribbled out the initial 24-second shot clock to start the game. Atlanta, Hawks guard Trae Young donned a No. 8 jersey in Bryant’s honor. The Mavericks announced they were retiring Bryant’s #24.
Lizzo kicked off the 2020 Grammys at the Staples Center last night by declaring, “Tonight’s for Kobe,” before performing a medley of her hits. Host Alicia Keys also performed a powerful tribute to Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, with help from Boyz II Men on Sunday night in Los Angeles.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/P88GwIwmYV
— NBA (@NBA) 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
Kobe, We love you brother
We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave pic.twitter.com/pxbgLOOmpY
— ye (@kanyewest) January 26, 2020
Tyler, the Creator reacts to Kobe Bryant’s death: “That news was heavy, especially just being in LA and just being here at the Staples Center” https://t.co/25sWs8vInB #Grammys pic.twitter.com/DDSojKYhkx
— Variety (@Variety) January 27, 2020
I am completely speechless and devastated at the unexpected passing of my dear friend, @kobebryant. Kobe had a big heart and an even bigger love for the community of Los Angeles. Through his foundation, he changed the lives of so many people and families with his wife, Vanessa. pic.twitter.com/4zs4zcjcfe
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) January 26, 2020
“heroes come and go, but legends are forever” – Kobe Bryant ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KOYTp5CVNo
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) January 27, 2020
I’m sick !!!!! I love you bro. Thank you for everything. You & GiGi rest well 🐐 @kobebryant #MambaForever pic.twitter.com/V01TUgK0mm
— The Game (@thegame) January 26, 2020
