Breaking news is just in that legendary NBA player, Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning. He was just forty-one-years-old. Nine people are now confirmed to be dead.
The star was known for being one of the greatest players of all time, with a career with the Lakers spanning 2 decades. It appears Bryant's daughter, Gianna was also on board the helicopter with her father, and has died in the crash. Celebrities have reached out to leave touching tributes for the star as the news hit everyone hard. However, for Lebron James, it was more than devastating and Kobe's final Instagram post explains why...
Keep scrolling to see the video of Lebron James hearing the news of his idol's death.
For those of you that aren't aware, Kobe Bryant is a legend.
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After he left high school, he entered the NBA directly and went onto win five championships.He was one of the world's best shooting guards.
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Kobe Bryant made history on many occasions. His twenty-year career in the NBA saw him become the all-time leading scorer in Lakers history in 2010. At thirty-four years old, he also became the youngest player in league history to reach 30,000 career points. What an achievement.However, in 2016, he retired.
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After a string of injuries began taking their toll on his body, he decided it would be best to leave the game, though that didn't stop him from coaching and doing extra work on the side in order to aid the NBA.He made sure he went out with a bang.
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Who could ever forget that final game? The Lakers versus Utah Jazz. The latter team didn't stand a chance after seeing Kobe score sixty points in the game, which became a career highlight for the basketballer.It saddens me to bring you such heartbreaking news.
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It has been confirmed that Kobe Bryant has tragically died in a helicopter crash yesterday morning. The NBA star's private helicopter crashed in Calabasas, TMZ sports confirms.Kobe was known for opting to use a helicopter for travel...
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But tragically, his private helicopter went down and a "fire broke out," TMZ reports.During a press conference, it was confirmed there were no survivors.
And there were 9 bodies found at the scene. Reports have also confirmed that his wife, Vanessa Bryant, was not among those on board.However, Bryant's daughter, Gianna, was also on board the helicopter at the time of the crash.
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TMZ Sports reports that Gianna, aged thirteen, has tragically died in the crash. It is thought that the father and daughter were on their way to the Mamba Academy for basketball practice, nearby Thousand Oaks.This is utterly devastating news.
Kobe leaves behind his wife and their daughters - Natalia and Bianca, and their newborn, Capri.Heartbreaking footage has emerged showing the aftermath of the tragedy.
.@LACOFD helicopter over the scene . As air ops quickly told me it is a fire not sheriffs chopper hovering and now… https://t.co/I5VE1IaTao— Richard Winton (@Richard Winton)1580066118.0
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
And we'll be sure to bring you more details as the story develops.The news has been hard for people to stomach.
Barack Obama reiterated that Kobe was a "legend."
Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To… https://t.co/YlRRr9ng7Q— Barack Obama (@Barack Obama)1580075776.0
In a slightly less empathetic way, Donald Trump also tweeted this:
Melania also sent her condolences.And Whoopi Goldberg also emphasized how much of a hero he was.
RIP Kobe, hero to many including my grandson, extraordinary athlete and always kind to me & my family. My deepest condolences to his family— Whoopi Goldberg (@Whoopi Goldberg)1580070506.0
Kevin Hart was shocked by the news...
This honestly doesn’t make sense....I just saw you man. This hurts my heart. God please place your hands on his fam… https://t.co/dqHSB8SA5F— Kevin Hart (@Kevin Hart)1580071349.0
But his pain got worse as he found out that Kobe's daughter was involved too...
I have no words...All I have is real tears....This is beyond heartbreaking...#prayingforthebryantfamily #RIPGianna… https://t.co/x9XRqhfUQa— Kevin Hart (@Kevin Hart)1580074717.0
And supermodel Gigi Hadid talked about her close relationship was the legend.
Being a fan of yours brought so much joy to my life, like so many. Love forever. Sending strength and my deepest co… https://t.co/RUVYpPgXKU— Gigi Hadid (@Gigi Hadid)1580070975.0
Viola Davis was also amongst those who paid tribute to Kobe.
My heart goes out to Vanessa. Completely devastating. I know how much he LOVED his family and children! Just devast… https://t.co/DFCoMQBN0I— Viola Davis (@Viola Davis)1580080611.0
Amber Rose sent all of her love to Kobe's wife Vanessa Bryant.
As a mother I’m so devastated for Vanessa, her Daughters and their family. I sat and thought about my life without… https://t.co/NLFgBF1K5I— Amber Rose (@Amber Rose)1580105964.0
And a host of other sports personalities sent their condolences to the family.
Heart going out to the Bryant family right now. ❤️. RIP @kobebryant— Megan Rapinoe (@Megan Rapinoe)1580069569.0
And Usain Bolt too.
Still can’t believe @kobebryant 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 https://t.co/swscrtnFAx— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@Usain St. Leo Bolt)1580069894.0
One of the most painful outcomes of this tragic accident is reflected in Kobe Bryant's last Instagram post.
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He and Lebron James were two legends in the sport. And they helped build each other, celebrate their successes and support one another through difficult times.And just twenty-four hours before the incident, Kobe had congratulated Lebron.
Lebron James recently passed Kobe Bryant's career point marker and as a way to congratulate him, he dedicated a heartwarming post to the star player.So no wonder the news hit him extremely hard.
LeBron James emotional as he exits the Lakers team plane following news of Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s death. 💔😢 More… https://t.co/WRIM9Rhop0— Complex (@Complex)1580084220.0