The world is mourning the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant at age 41.
Bryant was one of nine people killed in a helicopter crash in California Sunday. His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Marie, was also among those killed. The other victims’ identities have not been released.
Like many players in the NBA today, Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young idolized Bryant. Young had a powerful reaction to Bryant’s death at the Hawks game against Washington Sunday.
.@TheTraeYoung walked off the court and hugged his mom a very long time after he warmed up. You could see the emotion on his face. #TrueToAtlanta #NBA pic.twitter.com/e4F87EcTjq
— Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonWSB) January 26, 2020
After the game, Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce, Vince Carter and Young all spoke about Bryant’s legacy.
Young shared the final conversation he had with Bryant and his daughter Gianna, who was a big fan of the Hawks player.
“He wants me to continue to be a role model for kids growing up and just for Gigi," Young said.
"He wants me to continue to be a role model for kids growing up and just for Gigi." After an emotional performance on the court, @TheTraeYoung opened up about the legacy of Kobe and last conversation they had together: https://t.co/PINNOvqPgX #RIPMamba #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/yAvSiIOL6j
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) January 27, 2020
Carter, who is playing in his 22nd season, faced off many times against Bryant and the Lakers.
Vince Carter said it tough to go out and play the game. Kobe was a friend of 20 plus years .
— Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonWSB) January 27, 2020
To talk with Kobe and hear his happiness that’s what made it tough. I knew he was happy and in a good place. That’s what makes it tough. pic.twitter.com/EX6yMVzeRi
Other condolences, shock and grief flooded social media as the news broke. Here are some reactions to Bryant’s death.
All the Lessons
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 26, 2020
All the Advice
Every word you ever told me...
Will stick with me forever
Thank You Kobe🙏🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/WPCdHg3iyt
Heartbreaking news out of California. Kobe Bryant was an elite basketball player who will be remembered as one of the greatest to play the game.
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) January 27, 2020
Our prayers are with the loved ones of all who were on the helicopter. https://t.co/NN22EBK8cI
“Heroes come and go, but legends are forever.” ~Kobe Bryant #ripKobeBryant24 pic.twitter.com/0qzrOEXDuh
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) January 26, 2020
A father. A husband. A legend.
— MercedesBenzStadium (@MBStadium) January 27, 2020
His time was too brief, but his legacy everlasting. RIP Kobe.
Sending love to the Bryant family and all those affected by today’s heartbreaking news. pic.twitter.com/xLnPPq551T
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
RIP KOBE 😥😥😥 I can’t believe this is true. I’m at a loss for words 😥
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) January 26, 2020
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) 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
Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2020
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. Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents & his fellow passengers' families on this sad and shocking day. We will never forget you Kobe
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) January 26, 2020
This can’t be real 💔💔💔💔 there’s no way!!! My heart hurts
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) January 26, 2020
I have no words God speed my friend @kobebryant You are a legend pic.twitter.com/q3FPijCaGy
— Dominique Wilkins 🏀 🧢 (@DWilkins21) January 26, 2020
Incredibly sad news about @kobebryant Prayers and condolences to his family. #RIPMamba 🙏 ❤️
— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) January 26, 2020
No matter how much we re-arrange the words, life is as fragile as my heart is right now. At this time we respect life a little more. We count our blessings & we thank you for the legacy you’ve etched in our world. Sending all my love to the Bryant family...#BlackMambaForever pic.twitter.com/6QzaXWcL4r
— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) January 26, 2020
Can’t breathe ..just heard the tragic news of @kobebryant so terribly sad ..love to all who knew and or loved him 🙏🏼❤️
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) January 26, 2020
A true gladiator in our life time. You will be forever embedded in our memories, our childrens memories, and generations to come. @kobebryant
— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) January 26, 2020
#KobeBryant you were the greatest. You made our city and the rest of the world so proud. Every basketball fan knew the magnificence of the Mamba. Love and healing to Vanessa and those little girls. God, this is just the worst ever.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) January 26, 2020
Kobe was a real life super hero on that court & I’m sure he was one to his family. Sending love and prayers to them. This is heartbreaking.
— Bruno Mars (@BrunoMars) January 26, 2020
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
So devastating to hear the news regarding #Lakers #basketballStar Kobe Bryant! My condolences and prayers are with his family! #RIPKobeBryant #helicoptercrash #Calabasas #RIPLegend pic.twitter.com/T89mMiA6pS
— La Toya Jackson (@latoyajackson) January 26, 2020
Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 26, 2020
This is heartbreaking. Rest In Peace Kobe.
— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) January 26, 2020
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