Kobe Bryant was reportedly one of five people killed in a helicopter crash in southern California on Sunday.
- Photo gallery: Kobe Bryant's final game in Detroit in 2015
- Kobe Bryant among 5 killed in California helicopter crash
Multiple reports say that the 41-year-old former NBA star was aboard the aircraft when it went down in Calabasas around 10 a.m. PST.
Reactions are pouring in on social media mourning the loss of the NBA legend, who also posted his last tweet on Saturday afternoon.
The Detroit Pistons released a statement saying, “The Detroit Pistons organization joins the entire NBA family in expressing our sorrow regarding the unexpected passing of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and the other victims of today’s tragedy. Kobe entertained and embraced fans in every arena he touched, and he will be remembered by Detroit Pistons’ fans for the memorable moments he delivered each year at The Palace throughout his 20-year NBA career as well as his lasting impact on the game of basketball both on and off the court. We extend our thoughts and condolences to the Bryant family, the Los Angeles Lakers organization and everyone in the NBA during this most difficult time.”
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 and I shared so many special conversations about life and basketball. We had so much in common off the court. I used to love talking to him about Lakers basketball, being fathers and husbands and how much we loved Italy. I will miss those conversations and him so much. pic.twitter.com/PIv7obzr2x
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
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
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
Check out the reactions below.
No words... Absolutely heartbroken for Kobe’s family. #RIPKobe
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) January 26, 2020
Kobe you were my idol... period. Mentality through and through. Thank you. To your family, I wish y’all nothing but the very best. Prayers and thoughts with you don’t begin to describe what we want for y’all. Love and respect to #8 & #24 forever. #MambaMentality #Mamba
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) January 26, 2020
#Kobe, only a great man like you could cause such a reaction. A wonderful player but also a great man. The ultimate competitor, trainer and 5 time NBA champion, the game and the world will be a lesser place without you. I’ll miss you brother #blackmamba pic.twitter.com/5MCeVDRZv4
— Lionel Messi (@MessiFamilyMan) 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 not real right now
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) January 26, 2020
Can’t be true.
Just can’t be.
Truly truly horrific.Rest In Peace Kobe.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) 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
Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 26, 2020
My heart hurts for Kobe and his family. Life aint fair man. This cant be
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) January 26, 2020
Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe Bryant. I cannot believe I just typed those words. Just impossible to comprehend. He was becoming as big a force in his second career as he was on the court. God bless his wife and children.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 26, 2020
Loss is always difficult no matter how young or old. But in tragedy there is always light. Kobe will be a beacon for eternity. May his family&friends find their peace&see Kobe’s light in their own time/way. For the rest of us, let go of petty things& be gr8tful for those we have
— Brandi Chastain (@brandichastain) January 26, 2020
Thinking of Kobe talking basketball with his daughter. My favorite pastime is watching/taking sports with my kids. I felt connected with him..thinking of his daughters right now. Kobe appeared to be an invested Dad. A self-improver who would have aged/parented well. #KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/FUNnHQwZw6
— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) January 26, 2020
Like everyone in shock and sad about the news today.They say don't meet your heroes but a few years ago in Orlando I met Kobe Bryant, someone I've admired for years and he couldn't of been nicer. Forever a legend. Thoughts with all his family, friends today. pic.twitter.com/Yx03MXiNO8
— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) January 26, 2020
Thinking of Kobe talking basketball with his daughter. My favorite pastime is watching/taking sports with my kids. I felt connected with him..thinking of his daughters right now. Kobe appeared to be an invested Dad. A self-improver who would have aged/parented well. #KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/FUNnHQwZw6
— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) January 26, 2020
As a born and bred LA kid, this is pure devastation. Kobe was LA sports. The grit, the spirit, the fight. Competitively, he was everything we wanted to be. Just thinking of my hometown right now. This cuts deep. 💔
— Michael Young (@MikeyY626) January 26, 2020
R.I.P to the legend Kobe Bryant 😭
— Kane Brown (@kanebrown) January 26, 2020
Terrible news about Kobe Bryant, a young man who was hitting his stride in so many ways.
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) January 26, 2020
The world lost a giant today
Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. Also praying for the other passengers that we lost and their families.— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 26, 2020
Like so many, I’m just devastated by the shocking news of Kobe’s passing. Although I’m a football guy I was always drawn to Kobe’s dominance, his competitive spirit, & how he consistently stepped up at critical moments in games..while doing it ALL w/ class & grace. RIP Kobe 🙏🏼
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) January 26, 2020
Powerful moment here at Gill Coliseum. Oregon and Oregon State players joined for a prayer mid-court after the breaking news of the passing of Kobe Bryant. "Kobe" was said as they broke the prayer. pic.twitter.com/h0iVX04rsF
— Ethan Wyss (@WyssEthan22) January 26, 2020
"He inspired so many people,"
Drew Brees on Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/OYnKAAyS0S
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 26, 2020
My heart and prayers go out to the Bryant family and the passengers’ families on this sad day.
The impact Kobe had on the world cannot be expressed in words. RIP to a legend and a friend... 🙏🏼
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) January 26, 2020
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
