On Sunday January 26 2020, NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna (Gigi) Bryant were both killed in a disastrous helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Kobe and Gianna were not the only ones that were aboard Kobe’s private helicopter. Seven others were killed including Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobell and his wife and three daughters along with basketball coach Christina Mauser.            The passengers on board were on their way to see a basketball game at Kobe’s Mamba Sports Academy. The helicopter was being piloted in bad weather, but authorities were not able to determine whether that was the cause of the crash. There was footage of the helicopter going down as someone recorded the video over an overpass. Based on the contents of that video, when the helicopter crashed to the ground it exploded and caught fire which was later put out when the fire department and other authorities did so. 

The first to report on the tragedy was TMZ which is not a reliable source to depend upon for news. TMZ proclaimed the news before law enforcement agencies and other sources were able to confirm that Bryant was on the helicopter. To many who viewed the TMZ reports, it seemed like a hoax as TMZ is known for gossip on celebrities. But the news was stern and accepted as real. From that point on every news station reported on the loss of both Kobe and his daughter and fans and athletes across the world paid their respects and gave their condolences. 

Kobe Bryant achieved many accolades during his 20 year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant won the Slam Dunk championship in 1997 and was the youngest player to win that award at 18 years old. Bryant was a five time NBA champion, two time finals MVP, NBA MVP in 2008, 18 time NBA all star, and two time USA Men’s basketball gold medalist. Bryant retired from Basketball in 2016 having scored 60 points in his final game against the Utah Jazz. Both of his jersey numbers 8 and 24 were retired by the Lakers in 2017. 

The NBA out of respect for Kobe Bryant had planned to cancel games played on January 26. The games still commenced on that day. The teams that day paid tribute to Bryant by doing intentional violations which are a reference to Bryant jersey numbers 24 & 8. Some of the teams began the game with a 24 second shot clock violation. While other teams took 8 second violations. 

There was a moment of silence during the Denver Nuggets vs Houston Rockets game in Bryant’s honor. All of the games that were played in the NBA on January 27th paid tribute to Kobe Bryant as well. Basketball legends including Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Jerry West, Dwayne Wade, Magic Johnson, and others all paid their respects towards Kobe and his daughter. Lakers guard Lebron James who passed Kobe’s record for all time scoring expressed an emotional response upon hearing the news of Kobe’s death. 

The Grammy Awards hosted by Alicia Keys honored Kobe Bryant by Keys and singing group Boyz to Men performing “It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.” DJ Khaled who also performed at the Grammys did his song “Higher” which pays tribute to  Kobe, Gianna, and the late rapper Nipsey Hussle. President Trump and former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton sent their condolences out to Bryant’s family on social media. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban retired the #24 jersey for the Mavericks. NBA commissioner Adam Silver gave a statement after he received the shocking news. Millions of fans across the world mourn the loss of one of the world’s most iconic figures. The Lakers postponed their game against the Los Angeles Clippers in memoriam of Bryant. 

Kobe Bryant remains one of the greatest players of all time. An inspiration to NBA basketball players and athletes worldwide. Bryant is survived by his wife and three daughters. Kobe Bryant is a legend to the game of basketball and he will be remembered for years to come.