On January 26, tragedy struck as former NBA Champion, Allstar and MVP Kobe Bryant was killed, along with nine others in a helicopter crash. This includes his 13 year old daughter, Gianna.
The helicopter landed in a remote field in Calabasas, California around 10 a.m. Others that were killed in the crash included teammate Alyssa Altobelli, parents Keri Altobelli and John Altobelli, assistant coach Christina Mauser, teammate Payton Chester and her mother Sarah Chester, as well as helicopter pilot, Ara Zobayan.
The sudden death of Kobe has impacted not only the NBA family and the sports world, but the nation as a whole. Many famous names have spoken out about the basketball player’s death.
”Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act,” former president Barack Obama tweeted. “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.”
Many former players and teammates also shared online about the tragedy. Former teammate and four time NBA champion, Shaquille O’Neal, shared about the loss of his former costar. Shaq and Kobe won three championships together. Despite enduring years on beef between the two, the relationship had been reconciled.
“There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece, Gigi and my brother, Kobe,” Shaquille O’Neal said though social media.”I love you and you will be missed. My condolences go out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. I’m sick right now. Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common.”
Not only are teammates grieving over the loss of Bryant, but also Gibson Southern students.
“Kobe influenced many people and he was their role model,” junior David Hirsch said. “Many people used Kobe’s mannerisms and imitated them in their lives. Kobe taught me that you can accomplish anything through hard work and dedication.”