As news ofKobe Bryantand hisdaughter Gianna’s deathswere made known on Sunday, many of the NBA legend’s peers and fans reacted to the tragedy. He was 41 and his daughter was 13.
Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on Sunday morning, a source confirmed to PEOPLE. He was reportedly traveling in his private helicopter when it went down, according toTMZ, which also reported that emergency personnel responded but all on board did not survive.
His daughter, nicknamed Gigi, was also onboard the private helicopter when it went down on Sunday, reps for the former basketball player toldTMZ Sports.
Spokespersons for Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
“This can’t be real
there’s no way!!! My heart hurts,”Khloé Kardashian, shared on Twitter.
“Nooooooooooo God please No!,” fellow retired basketball playerDwyane Wadeshared after hearing the news.
Bryant’s former Lakers teammate Pau Gasol also responded to the news,writing: “Beyond devastated… my big brother… I can’t, I just can’t believe it.”
Rapper A$AP Rocky tweeted, “RIP KOBE , SO SAD , SUCH A SAD DAY N SAD NEWS , WE LOVE U,” while NFL star JJ Watt shared, “Can’t be true. Just can’t be. Truly truly horrific. Rest In Peace Kobe.”
Cleveland Cavaliers playerTristan Thompsonalso mourned the loss of Bryant and his daughter.
“I’m at a loss for words. I can’t believe this man. RIP Kobe and his daughter Gianna, it was a honor to be able to compete with you. Incredible player, even better person ??” hewrote.
“I cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god,”Chrissy Teigenalso wrote.
Late-night hostJimmy Kimmelshared an emotional tribute to the former Los Angles Lakers player, remembering Bryant and his legacy.
“He was great, charismatic & among the hardest-working athletes ever, but what impressed me most was how deeply-involved Kobe was with his 4 daughters,” Kimmel wrote on Twitter. “Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents & his fellow passengers’ families on this sad and shocking day. We will never forget you Kobe.”
“Man I don’t even know where to start
I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life,” he shared. “I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!! RIP LEGEND.”
Demi Lovatoshared a tribute on Instagram, posting a photo with Bryant and one of his daughters.
Justin Bieberalso wrote on Instagram, “It can’t be. You always encouraged me mamba. Gave me some of the best quotes that we smile about to this day.! Love you man!”
Meanwhile, modelGigi Hadidshared a photo of herself wearing Bryant’s Lakers jersey when she was just a young girl for a Bryant-themed birthday party.
Daughter Gianna, 13, was reportedly killed in the incident.
Harry How/Getty Images
Since the start of his basketball career, Bryant was one of the most accomplished men in the NBA, having played all 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Until Saturday evening, he was the third-leading scorer in NBA history with 33,643 points but was surpassed LeBron James. James paid tribute to Bryant with special Nike shoes during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
After the game, Bryant congratulated James on his latest milestone.
“On to #2 @kingjames! Keep growing the game and charting the path for the next,” the retired star shared on Instagram.
“Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother ?? #33644,” Bryant tweeted.
source: people.com
