People across the globe have been shaken over the news that basketball legend Kobe Bryant had tragedy passed in a helicopter crash. Gianna ‘Gigi’ Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter is also among the deceased.
Tributes have come from all walks of life, with many public figures expressing their sorrow.
Downtown right now and nothing feels more unimportant than what we are doing today. This is absolutely terrible. Everyone is numb.
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 26, 2020
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
Devastated and heartbroken by the passing of Kobe Bryant. I admired his athletic prowess from afar and his humanity close up. He was an original. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fans. RIP.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) January 26, 2020
There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing 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 pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
This can’t be real 💔💔💔💔 there’s no way!!! My heart hurts
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) January 26, 2020
We lost a King. 824
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) January 26, 2020
This is heartbreaking. Rest In Peace Kobe.
— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) 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
Basketball fans have gathered outside the Staples Centre in Los Angeles to pay tribute to the champion, laying flowers and consoling one another.
"THANK YOU, KOBE."
Hundreds of fans chanted outside the Staples Center to pay tribute to basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in Southern California. https://t.co/xdOulVCI6b pic.twitter.com/ujSr5wMYdL
— ABC News (@ABC) January 26, 2020
Flowers being set up at LA Live for Kobe Bryant
The Grammys are at Staples Center tonight, so plaza in front is blocked off. Dozens already beginning to gather here pic.twitter.com/6gHUVwGphB
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) January 26, 2020
Somber feeling at Staples Center right now.
“MVP” and “Kobe” chants have broken out from time to time.
RIP, Kobe. Had to pay my respects. pic.twitter.com/Oa2QZ0wJ6M
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 26, 2020
The Grammy awards are about to take places at the venue, where many members of the music industry are expected to share their thoughts.