The world was shocked by the reported tragic death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna along with seven others in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday.
Bryant was a ubiquitous figure in the sports and pop culture lexicon from the mid-1990s throughout the first decade of the 21st Century, reflected in the breadth of responses pouring in throughout the day from around sports, entertainment, media, and politics.
President Trump and former President Obama spoke out with remarks that were very on-brand:
Current and former Lakers players were among the many who paid tribute to the franchise icon, while LeBron James was apparently devastated upon learning the tragic news after his flight landed:
LeBron James in tears as he exits the Los Angeles Lakers team plane following the news of Kobe Bryant's death. James passed Kobe for 3rd on the all-time scoring list yesterday. pic.twitter.com/4gUYmRjUqI
— 12 SPORTS (@12SportsAZ) January 26, 2020
Others in the NBA community relayed their grief, including Commissioner Adam Silver and league icons Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen:
Head coaches Doc Rivers of the Clippers and Lloyd Pierce of the Hawks were overcome with emotion:
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft reacted to Bryant's death on Sunday before the GRAMMYs, while Saints quarterback Drew Brees weighed in from the sidelines of the Pro Bowl in a surreal television moment, and Tiger Woods did so from the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego:
Stars from other sports offered condolences:
Heart going out to the Bryant family right now. ❤️. RIP @kobebryant
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) January 26, 2020
Media figures and celebrities responded, further underscoring the NBA legend’s impact beyond the court:
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
