Tributes to NBA star Kobe Bryant

US President Donald Trump a nd t he sta rs of show business have paid tribute to retired basketball player Kobe Bryant after his death in a helicopter crash.

Former Los Angeles Lakers star Bryant, 41, died alongside his 13-yearold daughter, Gianna, and seven others in the crash in Southern California on Sunday morning.

Widely considered one of the best basketball players ever and one of the highest-profile sporting figures in the US, Bryant’s death was mourned around the world.

Mr Trump described the deaths of Bryant and Gianna as “devastating” and sent condolences to widow “Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family”.

Host Alicia Keys opened the Grammys in downtown LA by saying the ceremony was cloaked in sadness following the deaths.

“We’re all feeling crazy sadness right now, because earlier today Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero,” she told those gathered inside the Staples Centre.

Outside thousands of devasted fans gathered to pay tribute at the home of the team where Bryant spent all 20 seasons of his NBA career.

High-profile figures from music, film and politics also mourned the star ahead of the awards ceremony.

Kanye West tweeted a picture of himself with Bryant and wrote: “Kobe, we love you brother.

“We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave.”

Former US president Barack Obama tweeted: “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.”

Among the others on board the doomed helicopter was college baseball coach John Altobelli.