Lifetime Philadelphia Eagles fan and former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash this morning, first reported by TMZ.
NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN confirmed the tragic news via Twitter:
Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
It was also later reported by Wojnarowski that alongside the death of Bryant was his daughter Gianna and another daughter and her parent, in addition to the pilot and four others. They were all being transported to the daughters’ away basketball game on the flight.
Bryant was 41 and his daughter was 13. The news is absolutely tragic to all fans of sports and obviously the Bryant Family.
The Eagles recently issued a statement regarding Bryant and his daughter’s unexpected death via Twitter:
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 26, 2020
Followed by their tweet were retweets from Eagles players paying their respects to Bryant’s legacy.
This news is killing me today… My childhood hero gone too soon. Better believe I got him!! RIP MAMBA #EpicSh*t pic.twitter.com/DNFAMD18N4
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) January 26, 2020
There will never be another like you
R.I.P Kobe #MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/Akdv0TBnnt— Rodney McLeod (@Rodney_McLeod4) January 26, 2020
He has been & will continue to be a blessing to so many around the world, by the legacy he has left behind! RIP Kobe… The Black Mamba!! #RIPKobe #RIPMAMBA #RIPGIGI 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/bXuqxlobLs
— Brian Dawkins (@BrianDawkins) January 26, 2020
MY FAVORITE ATHLETE EVER MAN..MY INSPIRATION!!!
I AM SICK RIGHT NOW!!! I CANT EVEN EXPRESS IT…SO HEARTBROKEN 😭 😭😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/U637drXTjl— Sidney Jones IV (@SidneyJonesIV) January 26, 2020
A legend is gone too soon. RIP Kobe. #mamba
— Carson Wentz (@cj_wentz) January 26, 2020
The impact you had on many lives can never be measured. RIP Black Mamba🐍24/8. Prayers for your family and the families of the others who lost their lives as well. pic.twitter.com/QI8WYke6a5
— Jordan Howard (@JHowardx24) January 26, 2020
Rest In Peace Black Mamba 🖤We love you Kobe
— ⚪️🐍 (@NathanGerry) January 26, 2020
This tragic revelation is absolutely devastating and no Bryant family member has spoken out yet, as expected. Here is Bryant celebrating the Eagles Super Bowl triumph in 2018:
Seeing Kobe celebrate the Eagles winning the super bowl with one his young daughters is just heartbreaking to see today. pic.twitter.com/C1tgSdkPIj
— 1 WIN AWAY. (@Dubs408) January 26, 2020
Rest In Peace, Kobe. We are praying for the Bryant family.