Kobe Bryant, one of the most important and influential athletes of his generation, died Sunday in a helicopter crash in California. An 18-time All-Star and five-time NBA champion, he made an indelible impact on athletes across the planet with his passion both on and off the court.
As news of Bryant’s death at age 41 spread across the sports world, there was an outpouring of shock, sadness, respect and admiration for the former Laker. At Staples Center, fans have already assembled to create a memorial in his honor. Athletes in other sports, such as Tom Brady and CC Sabathia, have shared their thoughts.
President Donald Trump called it “terrible news.”
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
President Barack Obama sent his love and prayers to the Bryant family on an “unthinkable day.”
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
Here’s a look at how his peers in basketball have reacted to the heartbreaking news:
Former NBA players and legends
There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 26, 2020
As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/X2vF0M0a1u
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
Beyond devastated... my big brother... I can’t, I just can’t believe it
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 26, 2020
I’m heartbroken by this news, you were a true legend, and friend. Rest In Peace @kobebryant, my thoughts and prayers to his wife and kids. #legend #mamba #goat pic.twitter.com/1VKYdbrVEk
— Tony Parker (@tonyparker) January 26, 2020
This is piercing my soul, prayers to the Bryant family... Hard to even comprehend..
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) January 26, 2020
This is not real right now
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) January 26, 2020
I’m truly lost for words! We’ve been friends since we were 12 years old and to lose you and your daughter like this is unthinkable. I’m so heartbroken right now ! I love you my brother and you will be severely… https://t.co/h8GMOH5vtb
— Jermaine O'Neal (@jermaineoneal) January 26, 2020
My brother words cannot express what you meant to the lives of many. Prayers to the Bryant family #MambaForever #GoneTooSoon #24#8 rest peacefully pic.twitter.com/Yy0b7Kpbwm
— Jason "The Jet" Terry (@jasonterry31) January 26, 2020
Legends will always live pic.twitter.com/UVdZe4e686
— Charlie Villanueva alopecia (@CVBelieve) January 26, 2020
Don’t know where to begin..
— Mike Miller (@MikeMiller_13) January 26, 2020
Thoughts and prayers out to the Bryant Family pic.twitter.com/YqoetFdgQi
Current NBA stars
Man I don’t even know where to start I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 26, 2020
RIP LEGEND
this is so sad! RIP pic.twitter.com/5ykf0drVSG
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) January 26, 2020
Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 26, 2020
This is devastating to not just his family but the world. My condolences to his family and loved ones. #ripkobe
— Thad Young (@yungsmoove21) January 26, 2020
♂️ RIP to a legend smh
— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) January 26, 2020
It’s not even about basketball at this moment, May God be with your family thank you for all the words. #RIP #kobe #8 #24 pic.twitter.com/j9zmjaoQP5
— Emmanuel Mudiay (@emmanuelmudiay) January 26, 2020
— John Wall (@JohnWall) January 26, 2020
No fucking way... no way, no way........ No way......... No way......no way...... I love you Kobe...
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) January 26, 2020
Peace and power to the Bryant family, and basketball lovers around the world. R.I.P @kobebryant #MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/yn3Bgo0VAu
— Goran Dragić (@Goran_Dragic) January 26, 2020
Speechless on this plane ride home! A sad day bruh! RIP Kobe Bean Bryant! Prayers go to his family and loved ones This doesn’t even feel real man..
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) January 26, 2020
I had the honor to shake Kobe’s hand before my first ever NBA game. The man was a legend and that is a moment I will never forget. Prayers to his family and friends. Life is fragile. pic.twitter.com/yl1UgyrWZc
— Meyers Leonard (@MeyersLeonard) January 26, 2020
I still can’t believe this is actually true ... My sincere condolences to Bryant family , may the sprit of God bring you the comfort in such tough moment... RIP Kobe Bryant #nbafamily #MambaForever #loveyouKobe
— Nene Hilario (@NeneHilario42) January 26, 2020
Rip @kobebryant doesn’t feel real.... my heart goes out to his family and loved ones pic.twitter.com/0qQeBtsz6U
— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) January 26, 2020
I’m shook..... idk what to think right now
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) January 26, 2020
God, we ALL need you!
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) January 26, 2020
THE DAY I EARNED YOUR RESPECT WAS A DAY ILL NEVER FORGET.! REST PEACEFULLY GOAT.! pic.twitter.com/cKnTCNo23s
— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) January 26, 2020
Devastating news :((( completely speechless !! RIP legend ....
— Marcin Gortat (@MGortat) January 26, 2020
Can’t be real
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) January 26, 2020
I couldn’t guard him. No one could. He’s an All-Star in Heaven too. Praying for the whole family. I’m in shock. pic.twitter.com/xdGAgi5seM
— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) January 26, 2020
Outside the NBA world
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Neymar dedicated his goal to Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/6cZR4UKXVy
— Football HQ (@FootbaII_HQ) January 26, 2020
Unreal pic.twitter.com/eDuqHhWnOt
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) January 26, 2020
Kobe, We love you brother
— ye (@kanyewest) January 26, 2020
We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave pic.twitter.com/pxbgLOOmpY
My heart hurts for Kobe and his family. Life aint fair man. This cant be
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) January 26, 2020
Don’t want to believe what I’m seeing / hearing on Kobe
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe Bryant man. pic.twitter.com/oYsPutCmpD
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) January 26, 2020
RIP KOBE. #prayfortheBryants
— Patrick Peterson /P2 (@P2) January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant Photo Gallery
This story will be updated.
