Athletes, fans take to social media to mourn Kobe Bryant’s death

Paul Jones looks at the fragility of life and the massive impact of Kobe Bryant as a basketball player and a family man.

Sportsnet Staff January 26, 2020, 4:01 PM

The sports world, and the world as a whole, lost a titan on Sunday as NBA legend Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter crash at the age of 41.

Fellow NBA players, celebrities and fans took to social media to express their grief.

Both the @Raptors and the @spurs ran out the 24-second shot clock on their first possession of the game in honour of Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/JhD8XVUGFo

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 26, 2020

There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020

Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me’Arah. pic.twitter.com/BHBPN5Wq8V

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020

Statement from Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com/oI7w6e7HLI

— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) January 26, 2020

Nooooooooooo God please No!

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020

this can’t be trueee!!

— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) January 26, 2020

Man I don’t even know where to start. I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!

RIP LEGEND

— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 26, 2020

you wit me tonight my guy
24 x 12 @kobebryant pic.twitter.com/LIQf827bjI

— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) January 26, 2020

This is the Biggest example that life isn’t promised to anybody…sad day
Prayers Up

— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 26, 2020

All the Lessons
All the Advice
Every word you ever told me…
Will stick with me forever

Thank You Kobe pic.twitter.com/WPCdHg3iyt

— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 26, 2020

Beyond devastated… my big brother… I can’t, I just can’t believe it

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 26, 2020

Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV

— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020

As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/X2vF0M0a1u

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020

I love him, his family and what he stood for on the court and off the court.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020

My heart is broken for Kobe and his family. I’ll never forget the battles but what I really admired was the father he was to his girls. Rest In Peace old friend with your angel Gianna

— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) January 26, 2020

Along with our NBA family, we are united in grief and deeply saddened at the loss of one of the greatest players in our sport.

Full Team Statement on the passing of Kobe Bryant: https://t.co/JXCC2PdB3N pic.twitter.com/zZqJ4xQTJj

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 26, 2020

Damn. RIP Mamba. May your memory be a blessing

— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 26, 2020

We can never forget how precious life is. How those who are special to you and never let them forget how deeply you love them

— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 26, 2020

Wow.

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) January 26, 2020

Devastated.

— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) January 26, 2020

— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) January 26, 2020

RIP KOBE I can’t believe this is true. I’m at a loss for words

— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) January 26, 2020

ALL NBA teams should retire the numbers 8 AND 24

— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) January 26, 2020

The game will never be the same.

Extending our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. pic.twitter.com/tYtlYhobso

— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) January 26, 2020

.@Matt__Devlin & @LeoRautins reflect on Kobe's impact on fellow players and his legacy around the @NBA. pic.twitter.com/7zluEsLl8t

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 26, 2020

A devastating day for everyone. Rip #BlackMamba . This show of respect by the @Raptors and the @spurs is why I love this game. Thank you to everyone for sharing this moment with us and honoring the legend @kobebryant https://t.co/AIajviw0cc

— Nav Bhatia Superfan (@superfan_nav) January 26, 2020

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

We miss you already Kobe

— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020

Tiger Woods reflects on the tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/t4F2Sqj57Z

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 26, 2020

Still can’t believe ⁦@kobebryant⁩ pic.twitter.com/swscrtnFAx

— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) January 26, 2020

I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsman in the world. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock.

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 27, 2020

Love is forever. pic.twitter.com/AtPuLwqtKf

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) January 26, 2020

When I first came to America … it was Kobe, Shaq and the Lakers that made me fall in love with basketball. Kobe’s amazing talent, professionalism and love of the game was palpable. I’m so deeply saddened by this tragedy and send my love and prayers to all the families.

— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) January 27, 2020

I always wanted to be like you. Praying for you and your family through these tough times. RIP mamba @kobebryant

— Nazem Kadri (@43_Kadri) January 26, 2020

Shocked and in complete disbelief… A father, husband, legend, and idol gone way too soon. Thank you for the time, the lessons, and 20 years of greatness. #ripmamba pic.twitter.com/oqAtpaMlz8

— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) January 26, 2020

Wow. Kobe’s supposed to be invincible. RIP

— Bo Bichette (@19boknows) January 26, 2020

I’m at a loss for words.
Kobe created an identity that young athletes grew up trying to embody. He attacked every game, every play, every moment with everything he had.

If we needed a reminder of just how precious life is, this is it.

R.I.P. https://t.co/0WAX8kIFKp pic.twitter.com/jwYi72bbmG

— Donovan Bailey (@donovanbailey) January 26, 2020

I can’t even put the words together for this….not Kobe

— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) January 26, 2020

Can’t be true.
Just can’t be.
Truly truly horrific.

Rest In Peace Kobe.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 26, 2020

My heart hurts so much right now. I still can't wrap my head around this. How can it be?

I learned so much from Kobe Bryant. He was naturally gifted, but had a passion for basketball like no one else I've ever seen. pic.twitter.com/72OX3Z8Sv9

— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) January 27, 2020

@tae15adams pays tribute to Kobe Bryant after his #ProBowl touchdown. pic.twitter.com/Vj9OE84Y72

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 26, 2020

Terribly sad to wake up to this news today. RIP Kobe Bryant. Too young. Deepest condolences to family and friends of the sporting legend.

— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 26, 2020

Janet and I have no words to describe our shock and sadness on the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant today. Praying for him and his family.

— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) January 26, 2020

My heart and prayers go out to the Bryant family and the passengers’ families on this sad day.

The impact Kobe had on the world cannot be expressed in words. RIP to a legend and a friend…

— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) January 26, 2020

I’ve always wanted to be like you. Not only as a player but also as a person. You represent everything that is great about sports. #RIPKobe

— Claude Giroux (@28CGiroux) January 26, 2020

https://t.co/GkbSjG9ID8

— Bianca (@Bandreescu_) January 26, 2020

Can’t believe what I’m hearing. RIP #MambaMentalityForever https://t.co/xP1Sc0VJ3z

— Denis Shapovalov (@denis_shapo) January 26, 2020

This is such a tragedy. So devastating. This can’t be real life… RIP pic.twitter.com/fLYbAbXUYg

— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) January 26, 2020

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of @kobebryant, as well as to the entire Lakers family. This is a horrible tragedy. Kobe was one of the best to ever play the game of basketball. May he Rest In Peace.

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 26, 2020

I’ve just learned that Kobe’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, who loved basketball just as much as her dad did, has also passed away today. My heart is with the Bryant family. pic.twitter.com/TTjrGY2lyE

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 26, 2020

This is extremely tragic to society. One of the most influential individuals/athletes to ever live. His legacy in 41 years is insurmountable. I’m beyond sad. Cherish every single second of life man. Every second you’re breathing, be thankful!

— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) January 26, 2020

15 hours ago man… I actually cannot believe this. Praying for his family and close friends. Hoping it’s not true https://t.co/WI9UuuTGQ8

— Cody Bellinger (@Cody_Bellinger) January 26, 2020

We’re deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of basketball legend Kobe Bryant.

Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones at this extremely difficult time pic.twitter.com/1IDAGRqafS

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 26, 2020

RIP Kobe Bryant 1978-2020.
Sports icon. pic.twitter.com/aOTWyPtyD3

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 26, 2020

Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.

— The Ellen Show (@TheEllenShow) January 26, 2020

https://twitter.com/chrissyteigen/status/1221524962122420224

This is heartbreaking. Rest In Peace Kobe.

— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) January 26, 2020

He was great,charismatic & among the hardest-working athletes ever,but what impressed me most was how deeply-involved Kobe was with his 4 daughters. Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents & his fellow passengers' families on this sad and shocking day. We will never forget you Kobe

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) January 26, 2020

My hometown of Los Angeles has lost a sports legend, Kobe Bryant, who was killed along with his 13-year old daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash today. My heart is with their family on the news of this tragic accident.

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) January 26, 2020

His legend will live forever.#RIPKobeByrant pic.twitter.com/bsj37aIfdF

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) January 26, 2020

This can’t be real there’s no way!!! My heart hurts

— Khloé (@khloekardashian) January 26, 2020

Sending condolences to the family and friends of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, and all those lost in today’s tragic crash. Thank you to the @Raptors for honouring #KobeBryant at the start of today’s game. https://t.co/mRf0uj7nbu

— John Tory (@JohnTory) January 26, 2020

Kobe Bryant was a giant who inspired, amazed, and thrilled people everywhere with his incomparable skill on the court — and awed us with his intellect and humility as a father, husband, creative genius, and ambassador for the game he loved. pic.twitter.com/hkb0lbRwie

— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) January 26, 2020

Kobe will live forever in the heart of Los Angeles, and will be remembered through the ages as one of our greatest heroes.

— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) January 26, 2020

This is a moment that leaves us struggling to find words that express the magnitude of shock and sorrow we are all feeling right now, and I am keeping Kobe’s entire family in my prayers at this time of unimaginable grief.

— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) January 26, 2020

Today, the world lost a legend.

Kobe Bryant’s 20 year career with the @Lakers raised the bar for every player. He willed his team to triumphs. Competed with unparalleled ferocity. Defied the odds. Simply put — he was an icon.

Our hearts go out to his family and fans.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 26, 2020

Devastating news for Los Angeles and the entire country. Kobe Bryant's impact on basketball and sports was unquestionable. He will remain an inspiration to many for years to come. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/ue4rxUVwcV

— Vice President Kamala Harris Archived (@VP46Archive) January 26, 2020

Mamba Forever. pic.twitter.com/wIchSUwFM2

— Nike (@Nike) January 26, 2020

This photo taken this morning at #KobeBryant tournament in #calabasas as the kids received the news. A youth team from Tenaya was playing in the tournament when they received the news and cancelled games. #heartbreaking pic.twitter.com/8uqbX4idvQ

— Alexan Balekian (@RealALEXAN) January 26, 2020

Our hearts are with the Bryant family and all who knew, and loved, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/6XDnh1ERe2

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 26, 2020

All of us at the Australian Open send our condolences to the family and friends of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, and everyone touched by today’s tragedy. RIP.

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 26, 2020

My 818 buddies and I all sick over Kobe.

“Days are not promised,” said Jason. And he’s right. Grateful to be alive.

Warmth and comfort to all with lost loved ones…

— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) January 26, 2020

FATHER AND DAUGHTER #TogetherForever #Kobe&Gianna https://t.co/umlxh0ky3p

— terry crews (@terrycrews) January 26, 2020

https://twitter.com/stefondiggs/status/1221553477874323457

What a sad day today. @kobebryant you’re a legend. I remember being in the front row of a Celtics-Lakers game & u came by shouting my name. It put a huge smile on my face- such an honor to be recognized from the greatest. You’ll be missed. Sending my love & prayers to your family pic.twitter.com/LLcDv9VKLT

— Rob Gronkowski (@RobGronkowski) January 26, 2020

Father, husband, legend… a true icon in every sense of the word. My heart aches for the family and friends of Kobe and Gigi. Such a terrible tragedy. Thoughts and prayers are with them and the families of the three other victims. Sad day. #RIPMAMBA pic.twitter.com/B00pnBg21D

— Max Domi (@maxdomi) January 26, 2020

What a sad day. Forever a legend! RIP 24

— Henrik Lundqvist (@HLundqvist) January 26, 2020

So terribly sad…I go back to a little #Kobe running around the gym & playing pinball in Rome, Italy, while I scrimmaged his dad! So sad for his family & children Gone too soonRIP #liveeachdaylikeitsyourlast

— Leo Rautins (@LeoRautins) January 26, 2020