Our morning turned into mourning as we woke up to the news that NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, died in such an unforeseen event.
Kobe Bryant has been a household name in the world of basketball, to the extent that if you haven’t heard of his name would be very peculiar. Being an 18-time NBA All-Star who won five championships throughout the 20-year run of his career, he’s undoubtedly one of the best—if not the best—basketball players.
Although this may be, the legend that we once admired and aspired to be, has sadly passed away. News just broke that the NBA legend and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, has died in a helicopter crash. According to two law enforcement officials, the two were on their way to a youth basketball tournament, wherein he was the coach of her daughter’s team.
For several years, Bryant was known for always traveling via a chopper and today was supposed to be their usual travel from one point to another. But little did they know that the vessel that they’re in would burst into flames and crash in the hills above Calabasas, California.
Aside from Bryant and his daughter, there were seven other people who were on board the helicopter, which the authorities have not yet disclosed. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby said the chopper went down around 9:47 A.M. (Pacific Time).
A Life Well Lived
Bryant retired almost four years ago, holding a record of multiple scoring records, including youngest player to score 30 thousand in an NBA career and received two Olympic gold medals. Not only does he have a great talent for playing ball, but he is a man of fierce work ethic and loyalty. Throughout his career, he was with the Los Angeles Lakers as the team’s best shooting guard.
In recent years, the 41-year-old basketball star, who had four daughters with his wife, Vanessa, dedicated himself to boosting women’s sports, doing some coaching and mentoring basketball players. And one of which was his daughter, Gianna.
A co-basketball legend, Michael Jordan shared his grief over the loss of Kobe. “I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling,” Jordan said. “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 also added that Kobe was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force.
Shaquille O’Neal also posted his tribute to Kobe. “There [are] no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of losing my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude, and my homie.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7zGeKtgjo5/
In other news, San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors each took a 24-second violation at the start of their game to honor Kobe Bryant. This means each team held the ball for the entirety of the shot clock without even attempting a basket. Then, everyone in the crowd started to give “Kobe” the chant he deserves. After all, he was the legend that made our childhood even more memorable.
