Kobe Bryant’s Shocking, Tragic Death: Friends and Fans React
By Sierra Marquina
January 26, 2020
Basketball legend Kobe Bryant has passed away at the age of 41, multiple outlets have confirmed. According to TMZ, the athlete died, as well as his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, along with other unidentified passengers in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on Sunday, January 26.
They were flying in Bryant’s private helicopter when a fire reportedly broke out and the helicopter went down. According to TMZ there were no survivors.
On the heels of the devastating news, Bryant’s colleagues, friends and fans took to social media to attempt to grasp the shocking information and mourn the athlete.
“I cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god,” Chrissy Teigen tweeted, with Ellen DeGeneres adding: “Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.”
See more reactions below. Our thoughts go out to all affected by this tragic news.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
RIP Kobe! My thoughts and prayers are wirh your family.
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) January 26, 2020
This is heartbreaking. Rest In Peace Kobe.
— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) January 26, 2020
I cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god.
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 26, 2020
Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant .💔An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well.
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) January 26, 2020
I'm so sad and stunned right now. In Staples Arena, where Kobe created so many memories for all of us, preparing to pay tribute to another brilliant man we lost too soon, Nipsey Hussle. Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes. Hold on to your loved ones. We miss you, Kobe
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 26, 2020
#KobeBryant you were the greatest. You made our city and the rest of the world so proud. Every basketball fan knew the magnificence of the Mamba. Love and healing to Vanessa and those little girls. God, this is just the worst ever.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) January 26, 2020
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 26, 2020
I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 26, 2020
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Today we @WaltDisneyCo mourn the tragic loss of @kobebryant...a giant in sports and a person so full of life. Terrible news and so hard to process....
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) January 26, 2020
No words for the shocking and devastating news about Kobe Bryant. Absolutely heartbroken for his family.
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) January 26, 2020
rest in peace Kobe 🕊 pic.twitter.com/YtlMAVJHIJ
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) January 26, 2020
I am completely speechless and devastated at the unexpected passing of my dear friend, @kobebryant. Kobe had a big heart and an even bigger love for the community of Los Angeles. Through his foundation, he changed the lives of so many people and families with his wife, Vanessa. pic.twitter.com/4zs4zcjcfe
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) January 26, 2020
They doubted a kid could make it in the NBA and he proved them wrong.
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) January 26, 2020
They doubted he could win a championship and he proved them wrong.
They doubted he could make movies and he won an Oscar.
Like all great artists, Kobe Bryant proved the doubters wrong.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/1fYnKHbnt7
Still can’t believe @kobebryant 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/swscrtnFAx
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) January 26, 2020
Dammit. Kobe. I am praying for your family. Thank you for the brilliance you brought to not only the game, but to the world. Renaissance Man- Forever. pic.twitter.com/vOUahC3h89
— Lance Allred (@lanceallred41) January 26, 2020
15 hours ago man… I actually cannot believe this. Praying for his family and close friends. Hoping it’s not true https://t.co/WI9UuuTGQ8
— Cody Bellinger (@Cody_Bellinger) January 26, 2020
Being a fan of yours brought so much joy to my life, like so many. Love forever. Sending strength and my deepest condolences to the sweet Bryant family. Can’t believe it 💔 https://t.co/Z7O7oE04oc
— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) January 26, 2020
My💔Goes Out To Kobe’s Family,Friends,Fans. It’s SO HARD To Deal With The Death Of a GREAT STAR,Because We Feel As If We Knew Them Personally.Kobe Bryant Was a GREAT ATHLETE,& All Of America Will Feel His Loss.
— Cher (@cher) January 26, 2020
The 🌎 Has Lost a Bright Light ✨🌟✨.
RIP Kobe, hero to many including my grandson, extraordinary athlete and always kind to me & my family. My deepest condolences to his family
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe. This is heartbreaking
— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) January 26, 2020
unbelievable
Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 26, 2020
Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020
As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/X2vF0M0a1u
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
I love him, his family and what he stood for on the court and off the court.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It’s hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players. pic.twitter.com/NXsrXmCkkG
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
He gave his knowledge, time, and talent to tutor so many at the youth level, collegiate level, & NBA & WNBA players. Words can’t express the impact that he had on the game of basketball. I know basketball fans all over the world will miss him, especially the City of Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/ZoB3Uwbvzk
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
He was such an icon but also did so much for LA. He was passionate about serving the homeless and was an advocate for women's basketball. Coaching his daughter’s basketball team brought him so much happiness.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Kobe and I shared so many special conversations about life and basketball. We had so much in common off the court. I used to love talking to him about Lakers basketball, being fathers and husbands and how much we loved Italy. I will miss those conversations and him so much. pic.twitter.com/PIv7obzr2x
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Laker Nation, the game of basketball & our city, will never be the same without Kobe. Cookie & I are praying for Vanessa, his beautiful daughters Natalia, Bianka & Capri, as well as his parents Joe & Pam & his sisters. We will always be here for the Bryant family. pic.twitter.com/WWxmtEAJqZ
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
We love you forever. #8 #24🙏🏾❤️
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
This is a moment that leaves us struggling to find words that express the magnitude of shock and sorrow we are all feeling right now, and I am keeping Kobe’s entire family in my prayers at this time of unimaginable grief.
— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) January 26, 2020