Kobe Bryant Dead: Sports World Mourns the Tragic Passing Of NBA Legend

DALLAS - The sports world - the NBA and beyond - is in mourning over the tragic death of legendary athlete Kobe Bryant, who died Sunday morning in a California helicopter crash.

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

Michael Jordan on the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna pic.twitter.com/z0Ja0hf9QX
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 26, 2020

The world lost a giant today
Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. Also praying for the other passengers that we lost and their families.
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 26, 2020

My heart and prayers go out to the Bryant family and the passengers’ families on this sad day.

The impact Kobe had on the world cannot be expressed in words. RIP to a legend and a friend... 🙏🏼
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) January 26, 2020

Bryant was among at least four people traveling in his private helicopter over Calabasas in California on Sunday morning when a fire apparently broke out, causing the chopper to reel out of control, as first reported by TMZ Sports and later confirmed by network news affiliates in Southern California.

Tiger Woods shared his thoughts on the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/jnCOzh1WBW
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) January 26, 2020

"Unfortunately there were no survivors," Los Angeles County Fire Captain Tony Imbrenda told reporters Sunday.

This weekend began as a celebration of Bryant, with fellow Lakers legend LeBron James passing him on the all-time scoring list.

LeBron reflects on his favorite Kobe memories and the impact the Mamba has had on his life 🤝 pic.twitter.com/UDBYdttSli
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 26, 2020

Now his memory is being celebrated by fans and celebrities from all walks of life.

Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game! Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls. @kobebryant you were my biggest fan, but I was yours #RIPMAMBA @NBA @espn @SLAMonline pic.twitter.com/Ll0BD6VWgr
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) January 26, 2020

"He inspired so many people,"

Drew Brees on Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/OYnKAAyS0S
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 26, 2020

A call for a downed helicopter in Calabasas went out at 10:01 a.m. local time, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Local hikers and bikers apparently reported the downed helicopter. The cause of the crash of the chopper owned by Bryant is under investigation, among the many chapters of this tragic story yet to come. But for now? Mourning.

Damn. RIP Mamba. May your memory be a blessing
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 26, 2020

Bryant, who was 41 years old, starred for two decades with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five championships and earning 18 All-Star Game berths before his retirement after the 2016 season. He is survived by his wife Vanessa, the mother of his four daughters - Gianna, Natalia and Bianca and newborn Capri.

UPDATE: Multiple reports say Gianna, 13, was aboard the craft and is also dead.

'I Was Seeing The Game Through Her Eyes' - #KobeBryant Daughter #GiannaBryant , 13, Also Dead in Helicopter Crash https://t.co/DNmFzVbrsm via @SInow pic.twitter.com/i2u67Gfx6s
— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) January 26, 2020

Bryant was the "villain'' to opponents, mostly due to his excellence. But in retirement, he grew into an "ambassador'' role with support to those who came behind him.

His last tweet. 💔 https://t.co/cAKmlpUIii
— Rebecca Lopez (@rlopezwfaa) January 26, 2020

Indeed, his final tweet wasn't about himself ... but about his basketball heir.