NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others were killed on Jan. 26, when the helicopter they were traveling in crashed into a steep hillside and burst into flames in Southern California. Bryant’s unexpected death at age 41, touched the hearts of many around the world.
Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was also killed. She was a passionate basketball player, with plans of carrying on her father’s legacy.
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When it hit the ground, the helicopter was flying at about 184 mph. Federal investigators are working to identify the cause of the crash.
News of the superstar’s death shook the sports and entertainment worlds, with many taking to social media to express their grief.
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“Kobe was not only an icon in the sports arena, he was a man of the world and touched so many lives and communities in the most positive ways. His star was continuing to rise every day and he knew no limits because of his many intellectual and creative talents and desire to give back to others – his passion for the game, for his family and for others was apparent in everything he accomplished.” – NBA legend Larry Bird
“There are no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece, Gigi, and my brother, Kobe Bryant. I love you, and you will be missed. My condolences go out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. I’M SICK RIGHT NOW.” – former teammate, Shaquille O’Neal
“I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.” former Chicago Bulls star, Scottie Pippen
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Around the world, people were glued to their phones and TV screens as news of the crash spread, and networks broke into programming with live coverage. Thousands of people gathered to mourn Bryant outside the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
Bryant retired in 2016 as the third-leading scorer in NBA history, finishing two decades with the Los Angeles Lakers. He had one of the greatest careers in recent NBA history, and became one of the game’s most popular players as the face of the Lakers franchise. He was the league MVP in 2008, and a two-time NBA scoring champion. He then won two more titles in 2009 and 2010, and retired in 2016, after scoring 60 points in his final NBA game.
Also killed in the crash were John Altobelli, head coach of Southern California’s Orange Coast College baseball team, his wife, Keri, and their daughter, Alyssa, Sarah Chester and her daughter, Payton, basketball coach, Christina Mauser, and the pilot, Ara Zobayan.
