The world is still in shock today after the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash with his 13- year-old daughter Gianna and seven others on Sunday. The others who perished in the crash were John Altobelli, his wife Keri, and daughter Alyssa, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton, and the pilot Ara Zobayan.
Now, celebrities are breaking their silence on social media to express their shock and devastation over the loss of 41-year-old Bryant.
Basketball Stars React To Bryant’s Death
ABC News reported that other basketball stars were quick to comment on Bryant’s passing after news of his death was announced.
“I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling,” NBA legend Michael Jordan said in a statement. “I loved Kobe — he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force.”
“Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply — and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball,” he continued. “Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world.”
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“I’m stunned,” added basketball icon Scottie Pippen. “Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.”
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
“Kobe and I shared so many special conversations about life and basketball,” said NBA star Magic Johnson. “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.”
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
Other Celebrities Mourn Bryant As Well
Shock over Bryant’s death reverberated outside of the basketball world as well.
“This honestly doesn’t make sense….I just saw you man. This hurts my heart,” comedian Kevin Hart wrote on social media. “God please place your hands on his family and help guide them thru this unbearable time. We love you forever man…Legends never die!!!! #MambaMentality #RIP…. RIP to the other passengers as well as sending prayers to their families.”
This honestly doesn’t make sense….I just saw you man. This hurts my heart. God please place your hands on his family and help guide them thru this unbearable time. We love you forever man…Legends never die!!!!… https://t.co/L8TZ2ZO6Sm
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) January 26, 2020
“Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant,” wrote actress Reese Witherspoon. “An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire NBA family as well.”
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
Barack Obama Pays Tribute To Bryant
Even former President Barack Obama paid tribute to Bryant on Twitter.
“Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act,” Obama wrote. “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.”
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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
Please keep the entire Bryant family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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