The world took a major hit Sunday afternoon (Jan. 26) following reports that legendary NBA champion Kobe Bryant had died in a helicopter crash.
According to TMZ, Bryant and at least three others were on a private helicopter when a fire broke out. The outlet has most recently reported that Kobe’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was on the helicopter as well. They were reportedly traveling to Bryant’s Mamba Academy in the Thousand Oaks area of California to basketball practice.
According to NBC News, the crashed occurred at around 10 a.m.
Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, was not among the passengers on board.
Many are heartbroken as the iconic basketball sensation was widely known and loved.
Kobe’s longtime teammate, Shaquille O’Neal took to Twitter to express his pain for his loss and to offer condolences to the Bryant family. “There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of losing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW,” Shaq said.
Dwyane Wade tweeted, “Nooooooooooo God please No!”
“My heart is broken sending prayers 2 Vanessa and the kids,” Snoop Dogg wrote on Instagram.
“Just can’t take this one. Sending up prayers to your beautiful family. This hurt for a lifetime… @kobebryant you will be missed for eternity. REST IN POWER,” said Jamie Foxx.
“I’m at a loss for words. My heart, prayers, and condolences go out to the Bryant family 🙏🏾 #kobebryant #rip #legend” Martin Lawrence wrote.
Kobe Bryant entered the NBA out of high school in 1996, making him the youngest player in NBA history. He won five NBA titles with the LA Lakers and two Olympic gold medals playing for the United States, ESPN reports. He is also the forth all-time scorer in the NBA with 33,643 points. Not only that, Kobe also won two NBA Finals MVP Awards and one NBA regular-season MVP award.
Bryant retired from the NBA on Nov. 29, 2015. His final game was on April 13, 2016 against the Utah Jazz.
He recently celebrated LeBron James surpassing him on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Revolt TV sends our condolences to Kobe Bryant’s family and friends.
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