Death Of Lakers Legend, Kobe Bryant, Shocks Entire World

By Nicholas Williams

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, and seven others died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday.

Kobe was allegedly on his way to a travel practice basketball game at Mamba Academy with his daughter Gianna Bryant when his private helicopter crashed, according to ESPN. Los Angeles County Sheriff, Alex Villanueva, stated in a news conference that no one survived the crash and that there were nine people aboard the aircraft. An investigation is currently ongoing as the cause of the crash remains unknown.

The names of the other victims aboard the helicopter were confirmed to be, John Altobelli, his wife Keri Altobelli and daughter Alyssa Altobelli. John was an Orange Coast College baseball coach, who won multiple California community titles in his career as a coach. Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester and the pilot Ara Zobayan were also names confirmed to be on the helicopter.

“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

Kobe had a history of traveling around Los Angeles via his private helicopter and used this method of transportation frequently. This dates back to his playing days as a Laker.

The news of his death immediately sent shockwaves across the world with athletes, celebrities, and friends taking to social media to mourn the loss of Kobe.

Michael Jordan released a statement, “I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe – he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often and I will miss those conversations very much.”

“Kobe was an incredible family man, he loved his wife and daughters, he was an incredible athlete and a leader in a lot of ways,” NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabaar said. “He inspired a whole generation of young athletes.”

Shaquille O’Neal took to Instagram to voice his condolences to Bryant’s family, “There are no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of losing my niece Gigi & my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie. I love you brother and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW !”

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers fought back tears in an interview, “I think everybody right now is a Laker fan,” Rivers said. “We’re all Lakers today. You feel for that community and Jeanie [Buss] and everyone else.”

Fans in Los Angeles gathered around Staples center erupting in a “Kobe” chant and created a memorial in front of the stadium by placing down flowers.

NBA games continued to be played Sunday as some games started off with both teams dribbling out the 24-second shot clock to honor Bryant, who notably wore number 24 in his playing career.

Kobe, 41, retired from the NBA in 2016 as a 5x NBA Champion, 2x Finals MVP, and an 18x NBA All-Star, playing his entire career with the Lakers. He was known for his 81 point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 and his 61 point game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in 2009.

His daughter Gianna was an up-and-coming basketball player, with aspirations of following in her father’s footsteps. Gianna hoped to one day play in the WNBA

Kobe is survived by his wife Vanessa, and daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.