Condolences poured out across social media as news about the death of former NBA star Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles.
Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna both died in the crash in Calabasas, in Los Angeles County. In total, authorities say five people were killed.
Bryant played all of his 20-year career with the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers and helped the team take home five NBA titles before retiring in 2016.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the NBA was “devastated” by the loss of Bryant.
“For 2o seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning,” Silver said in a statement.
“He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players.”
In his post-retirement life, he focused on advocating for women’s basketball, inspired by his daughter Gianna.
This was just a few weeks ago. Life is short, tell someone you love them today #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/abJBHd9Ql7
— Madelyn Burke (@MadelynBurke) January 26, 2020
I can always find words.
Today, I’m having a hard time. 😢#Kobe #RIPKobe#RIPMamba #KobeBryant
— Donnie Wahlberg (@DonnieWahlberg) January 26, 2020
📸 Neymar (@neymarjr) dedicating a goal for PSG to Kobe Bryant today by flashing the 2 and 4 with his fingers and pointing to the sky #RIPMAMBA pic.twitter.com/qhCkxsWaBp
— FC Barcelona Fl (@FCBarcelonaFl) January 26, 2020
Wow.. I'm at a loss for words. Prayers and thoughts are with the families right now.. #RIPMAMBA #LEGEND pic.twitter.com/96KKJa5niZ
— Matt Breida (@MattBreida) January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant dropping 61 at MSG #RIPMAMBA pic.twitter.com/OfPfFlT4zK
— IB 🔌 (@incarceratedbob) January 26, 2020
So far 2020, you suck.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) January 26, 2020
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/P88GwIwmYV
— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2020
