Celebrities and Fans Mourn the Death of Kobe Bryant and His 13-Year-Old Daughter Gianna

Arianna Davis
Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

From Prevention

  • After initial reports from TMZ that 41-year Kobe Bryant had died in a plane crash, representatives for Bryant confirmed the passing of the NBA legend, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and three other passengers.

  • Shocked celebrities and fans around the world quickly took to social media to react to the news, reflecting on the legacy of the 18-time NBA All Star.

On Sunday, January 26, basketball legend Kobe Bryant died in a private helicopter crash that also took the life of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and three other people.

TMZ first reported the news of the basketball player's passing, followed by confirmation from outlets including The Associated Press. A representative for Bryant later confirmed to TMZ that his second eldest daughter, Gianna, had also died in the crash. According to TMZ, the father and daughter was taking a helicopter to Bryant's Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks for Gianna's basketball practice.

Bryant was known for a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, making him the only NBA player to play that long for one team, with whom he won 5 NBA championships. The Philadelphia native was also an 18-time All Star known for his competitive spirit, revered as an icon for both the sport, but also the city of Los Angeles.

In 2018, Bryant won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for Dear Basketball, and soon after he collaborated with author Wesley King to create The Wizenard Series, a young adult fantasy sports series. Bryant was also a known philanthropist, serving as ambassador for After-School All-Stars, a national children's charity providing after-school programs to inner-city students.

View this post on Instagram

My Gigi

A post shared by Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) on Sep 3, 2019 at 1:59pm PDT

Now, Bryant leaves behind his wife, Vanessa, and three more daughters: Natalia, 17; Bianka, 3, and 7-month-old Capri. On social media and at the sidelines at games, he could often be seen with 13-year-old Gianna, who was clearly close with her dad—and had big time basketball goals for herself.

Around the world and on social media, shocked celebrities and fans alike are mourning, expressing their grief at the loss of the basketball great and his daughter, both gone far too young.

View this post on Instagram

😤😔🥺 it can’t be

A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:02pm PST

View this post on Instagram

I’ve never been much of a sports fan but Kobe Bryant was a hero to me and it was his words and way of thinking and living that lifted me up during times where I felt like I couldn’t get off the ground. When I was 16 and going through what felt like an excruciatingly painful period in my life, I first saw Kobe’s MUSE documentary, and the mamba mentality is the only thing got me through every single performance. He was fighting inner demons, and so was I, and the way he used them to fuel his game on the court made me feel like I could use them to fuel me onstage. At my weakest moments I would channel a different person like he did, because when I felt broken and lost offstage, he taught me how to use my own pain, he taught me how to access strength I didn’t know I had, because on my worst days, I thought of Kobe and suddenly I could do things I didn’t think I could do. I watched every interview, I read every quote of his, and I wish that he knew how many times he saved me, how many times he helped me access a champion in myself that I couldn’t have seen on my own, how many times he helped me use my own demons, how many times he taught me how to use pain to make me a better person, how many times he taught me by example about life by the way he carried himself and the way he saw things.... and I never got the chance to fell him this in person. I’ve watched only two basketball games in my life, but what Kobe did for me changed the course of my life. I can’t imagine how many people he did this for. His legacy will live on in the lives and minds and souls that he touched, he made his mark not only in the game, but in humanity itself. He is a hero to me forever. Mamba forever.

A post shared by camila (@camila_cabello) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:53pm PST

View this post on Instagram

I’m sick! I can’t imagine the pain your family is feeling loosing your amazing daughter Giana and you. Feels like we all just lost a part of our family. We just spent New Years with you and yours, and I hope I’m still sleeping and will wake up from this nightmare. Thank you for changing the game and dedicating so much of your life! Mamba Mentality 4 Life! You’re Mike’s Idol who’s my best friend and one of the most creative genious’s I know n seeing you play court side your final season n you dappin us up mid game will be a staple and memory in our friendship forever. RIP! I’m sick

A post shared by BIGSEAN (@bigsean) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:20pm PST

View this post on Instagram

This makes me so sad. Kobe you were always so sweet to me. Known you over 10 years.. not super well but we always joked about you coming over and playing that game of horse! You will he so missed by so many. You’re a legend with wings now. RIP Kobe 💔💔💔

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:08pm PST

Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with the Bryant family and millions of fans at this difficult time.

For more from OprahMag.com, sign up for our newsletter.

You Might Also Like