NBA Legend Kobe Bryant Killed In Helicopter Crash (Photo Credit: Instagram/virat.kohli)
New Delhi:
National Basketball Association (NBA) legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna ‘Gigi’ Bryant were among 9 people killed in a helicopter crash in suburban Los Angeles (LA). Soon after the unfortunate incident came on the public forum, tributes from celebrities and fellow sports stars have been pouring in, many expressing shock at his sudden death. US President Donald Trump, former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and many others paid tribute to Kobe Bryant on social media.
Coming back to Bryant’s helicopter crash, the LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the helicopter manifest indicated that nine people were on board when it crashed. Also, the LA County Sheriff's Department shared pictures from the scene of the accident, showing a fire truck and smoke emerging from the hills.
In a tweet, the LA County Sheriff's Department said, “#Update Downed aircraft is a helicopter. Flames extinguished. #Malibu deputies at crash site looking for survivors, 4200 blk Las Virgenes Rd #Calabasas #LASD.”
#Update Downed aircraft is a helicopter. Flames extinguished. #Malibu deputies at crash site looking for survivors, 4200 blk Las Virgenes Rd #Calabasas #LASD pic.twitter.com/eixLhGhLyE
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) January 26, 2020
On the other hand, the City of Calabasas released a statement saying that it heard the news "with great sadness". "The aircraft went down in a remote field off Las Virgenes around 10:00 this morning. Nobody on the ground was hurt," it added.
Eyewitnesses told celebrity news site TMZ they heard the helicopter's engine sputtering before it went down. In the meantime, the National Transportation Safety Board identified the crashed helicopter as a Sikorsky S-76B and said it was sending a team to investigate the crash.
President Trump acknowledged the death of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in a California helicopter crash on Sunday, calling it “terrible news” in a tweet. “Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California,” tweeted the president, omitting one person from the death toll. “That is terrible news!”
Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 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
.....Melania and I send our warmest condolences to Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family. May God be with you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2020
Former US President Barack Obama said, “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.”
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
Whereas, another former US President Bill Clinton said, “I’m deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, & all who died in today's accident. Kobe lived a very large life in a very short time. My prayers are with Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, Capri, and all those who lost loved ones today.”
I’m deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, & all who died in today's accident. Kobe lived a very large life in a very short time. My prayers are with Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, Capri, and all those who lost loved ones today. https://t.co/lSIEvT11as
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) January 27, 2020
Randi Mayem Singer said, “The mamba academy getting news of Kobe. This is soul crushing. Love your loved ones.”
The mamba academy getting news of Kobe. This is soul crushing. Love your loved ones.pic.twitter.com/FBQ3ar7HU2
— Randi Mayem Singer (@rmayemsinger) January 26, 2020
Rapper Kanye West tweeted his appreciation for "the life you've lived and all the inspiration you gave".
Kobe, We love you brother
— ye (@kanyewest) January 26, 2020
We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave pic.twitter.com/pxbgLOOmpY
Eight-time Olympic gold medallist sprinter Usain Bolt said he could not believe the news. Deron Williams, who won an Olympic gold alongside Bryant, said he was lost for words. He described Bryant as "the greatest competitor I have ever gone up against and played with."
National Basketball Association (NBA) legend Kobe Bryant played his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe announced his retirement in April 2016. He was awarded the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player. Kobe was also a two-time NBA Finals MVP. He was NBA scoring champion twice and a two-time Olympic champion.
Also Read: Unnao Rape Victim Died Due To 'Extensive Burn Injuries, Suffocation,' Reveals Autopsy
In the year 2006, Kobe Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history. He also won an Oscar for best short animated film in 2018 for Dear Basketball, a five-minute film based on a love letter to the sport he had written in 2015.
