Shock and grief: Tributes pour in for Kobe Bryant

Shock and grief: Tributes pour in for Kobe Bryant
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In this June 14, 2009 file photo Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant holds the Larry O'Brien championship trophy and finals MVP trophy after the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic 99-86 in Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals in Orlando, Fla. (AP)
Shock and grief: Tributes pour in for Kobe Bryant
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In this June 7, 2009 file photo Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) points to a player behind him after making a basket in the closing seconds against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the NBA basketball finals in Los Angeles. Bryant, the 18-time NBA All-Star who won five championships and became one of the greatest basketball players of his generation during a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, died in a helicopter crash Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020. (AP)
Shock and grief: Tributes pour in for Kobe Bryant
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People gather around a makeshift memorial for former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death at LA Live plaza in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles on January 26, 2020. (AFP)
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Updated 27 January 2020
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Shock and grief: Tributes pour in for Kobe Bryant

Shock and grief: Tributes pour in for Kobe Bryant

LOS ANGELES: People on Twitter reacted to reports of the death of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash in suburban Los Angeles on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump said he was sorry to hear of the basketball legend's death. "That is terrible news!" Trump tweeted.

 

Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon wrote she was "devastated to hear" the news of Bryant's death.

NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell described Bryant as "one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game!"

NBA Hall of Famer Larry Bird tweeted saying: “Kobe was not only an icon in the sports arena, he was a man of the world and touched so many lives and communities in the most positive ways. His star was continuing to rise every day and he knew no limits because of his many intellectual and creative talents and desire to give back to others – his passion for the game, for his family and for others was apparent in everything he accomplished.”
The Rev. Jesse Jackson via Twitter: “As I tweet through my tears, I am so hurt. I cannot stop crying. Kobe was instrumental to so many people. There is a hole in the basketball world and there will be for a long time. Rest in heavenly peace.” 
Robert Iger, chairman and CEO of Disney, described the legendary player as "a giant in sports and a person so full of life."

“A true gladiator in our life time. You will be forever in our memories, our childrens memories, and generations to come” rapper Wyclef Jean wrote via Twitter
“I'm at a loss for words. @kobebryant was a long-time friend, an inspiration and we shared our first ever commercial @espn together as professionals. I love you forever. #RIPMAMBA” — Retired NFL player Keyshawn Johnson
FC Barcelona football club paid tribute to Bryant on their official account saying: “Shocked by the death of @kobebryant, an exemplary athlete both on and off the basketball court. Our most heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace.”
“Kobe Bryant Rest in Peace. Unbelievable, unbelievably sad...” — NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas via Twitter. 
“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.” — Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles mayor, via Twitter.