THE MOURNING AFTER
Kobe Bryant, who won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, died aged 41 on Sunday in a helicopter crash in California. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna was also among the victims. The following are reactions to his death:
ADAM SILVER, NBA COMMISSIONER
“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning. But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.”
MICHAEL JORDAN, 6-TIME NBA CHAMPION
“I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe – he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was an amazing dad who loved his family deeply – and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball.”
BARACK OBAMA, FORMER US PRESIDENT
“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.”
TIGER WOODS, FORMER WORLD NO. 1 GOLFER “It’s unbelievably sad and the reality is sinking in because I was told about five minutes ago. He burned so competitively hot, the desire to win he brought every night on both ends of the floor, not too many guys can say that. Any time he was in the game he’d take on their best player. It’s a shocker to everyone, unbelievably sad, and one of the more tragic days.
CRISTIANO RONALDO, SOCCER GREAT
“So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend.”
SHAQUILLE O’NEAL, EX-BRYANT TEAMMATE
“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.”
US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP “Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!”
EARVIN MAGIC JOHNSON, FORMER LAKERS GREAT
“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.”
KAREEM ABDUL-JABAAR, FORMER LAKERS GREAT
“Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete.”
JUSTIN BIEBER, CANADIAN POP SUPERSTAR “It can’t be. You always encouraged me mamba. Gave me me some of the best quotes that we smile about to this day.! Love you man!”