St. Louis athletes, Gov. Parson, others react to death of Kobe Bryant

ST. LOUIS (KFTK) - The St. Louis community and the world is reacting to the tragic death of one of the biggest names in sports, Kobe Bryant. 

Take a listen in the audio above to our Mike Claiborn talking about Bryant's sure Hall of Fame career on the court and his successes off the court as an award-winning director, philanthropist and world icon. 

St. Louis natives and current NBA stars Jayson Tatum and Brad Beal tweeted after the news that Bryant, 41, died in a helicopter crash in southern California, Sunday morning.

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher and California native Jack Flaherty is well-known as a Kobe and Lakers fans has shared multiple posts on Twitter about Bryant. 

Mayor Lyda Krewson shared a story about Bryant, saying he "was a basketball legend who defined the sport with his athleticism and sportsmanship."

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson stated, "The heartbreaking loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter touches many of us. A reminder that we should live every day to the fullest."  

Former Mizzou Women's basektball star Sophie Cunningham retweeted a photo of her and Bryant together:

Bryant's 13-year-old daughter was also on board, Gianna Bryant. Five people have been reported dead including Bryant and his daughter.

They were on their way to a travel basketball game with his daughter, according to ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski.

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