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Friends, Family, & Celebs React To Tragic Passing of NBA Legend Kobe Bryant & Daughter Gianna
Yesterday (January 26), the earth underneath us shifted when news broke of a tragic accident that killed basketball legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, along with 7 others. They were flying over Calabasas, California, when their helicopter went down suddenly and crashed, leaving no survivors.
Being one of the most respected and legendary basketball players of all time, it’s easy to understand why the world is at such a loss following this tragic death. As comes with any sudden and unexpected loss of a public figure, fans, friends, and family took to social media to share their heartbreak and thoughts following the news.
An outpouring of actors, musicians, and fellow athletes, shared their shock, thoughts, and favorite memories of Kobe, along with their support and condolences for his family and the families of the other victims.
Here are just a few that touched us the most:
Shaquille O’Neal
Barack Obama
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
Chrissy Teigen
I cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god.
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 26, 2020
John Legend
I'm so sad and stunned right now. In Staples Arena, where Kobe created so many memories for all of us, preparing to pay tribute to another brilliant man we lost too soon, Nipsey Hussle. Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes. Hold on to your loved ones. We miss you, Kobe
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 26, 2020
A$AP Rocky
RIP KOBE , SO SAD , SUCH A SAD DAY N SAD NEWS , WE LOVE U
— LORD FLACKO JODYE II (@asvpxrocky) January 26, 2020
Jennifer Lopez
Taylor Swift
My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can’t fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) January 26, 2020
Justin Bieber
Mindy Kaling
#KobeBryant you were the greatest. You made our city and the rest of the world so proud. Every basketball fan knew the magnificence of the Mamba. Love and healing to Vanessa and those little girls. God, this is just the worst ever.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) January 26, 2020
Will Smith
Demi Lovato
Scottie Pippen
I'm devastated and I feel like I lost a part of me. Kobe was amazing, a champion and an icon, and it's impossibly difficult to know he's not here anymore. pic.twitter.com/OmC3fWC1YT
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 27, 2020
Dwyane Wade
Heroes come and go LEGENDS live forever‼️ #8 #24 pic.twitter.com/sYMG8CKN5b
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 27, 2020
Robert Downey Jr.
Kanye West
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
Ryan Lochte
Jimmy Kimmel
He was great,charismatic & among the hardest-working athletes ever,but what impressed me most was how deeply-involved Kobe was with his 4 daughters. Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents & his fellow passengers' families on this sad and shocking day. We will never forget you Kobe
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) January 26, 2020
Chadwick Boseman
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
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. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020
Reese Witherspoon
Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant .?An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well.
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) January 26, 2020
Kevin Hart
Halle Berry
There are no real words to convey the depth of my sadness. Love and strength to Kobe’s entire family and to the families of all who were lost in today’s crash. pic.twitter.com/HvL2m9NXJU
— Halle Berry (@halleberry) January 26, 2020
Our hearts are with Kobe’s family, friends, fans, as well as the families and friends of the other victims of this tragedy -- John, Keri, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah and Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, and pilot Ara Zobayan.
Kobe will be remembered as an amazing athlete, friend, father, husband, activist, and so much more. He was humble, giving, and kind, a true legend and an inspiration to so many.
As we grieve this immeasurable loss, we remember to carry with us Kobe’s Mamba mentality, and spread his legacy in the years to come.