ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis community and the world is reacting to the tragic death of one of the biggest names in sports, Kobe Bryant.
Related: Kobe Bryant Dies in Helicopter Crash: Follow All the Latest Updates Live
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.
Nooooooo cmon someone say it ain't true... I'm sick to my stomach right now
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) January 26, 2020God, we ALL need you!
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) January 26, 2020St. 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.
— Jack Flaherty (@Jack9Flaherty) January 26, 2020 — Jack Flaherty (@Jack9Flaherty) January 26, 2020Mayor Lyda Krewson shared a story about Bryant, saying he "was a basketball legend who defined the sport with his athleticism and sportsmanship."
.@kobebryant was a basketball legend who defined the sport with his athleticism and sportsmanship.Very sad to learn of his sudden death today, along with the others in this crash. A tragic reminder to make every day count.https://t.co/slO95wG65J
— Mayor Lyda Krewson (@LydaKrewson) January 26, 2020Missouri 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."
The heartbreaking loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter touches many of us. A reminder that we should live every day to the fullest. @FirstLadyTeresa and I pray for all of the victims' families and friends, as we hold our loved ones a little tighter. https://t.co/wxWr8tdyoh
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) January 26, 2020Former Mizzou Women's basektball star Sophie Cunningham retweeted a photo of her and Bryant together:
RIP Mamba."I love the feistiness you play with. That's going to take you far."Prayers and hugs. https://t.co/VicFY0Uq11
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) January 26, 2020Bryant'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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