The whole football fraternity and lovers of the NBA have been thrown into the state of mourning following reports of the demise of former US basketball superstar Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles Lakers legend, 41, is believed to have been on board a private helicopter which crashed in Calabasas, California, on Sunday.
According to the official statement by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the five-time NBA Championship winner was traveling with eight other people including the pilot. Per the report, that the crash occurred a little before 10 a.m. near Las Virgenes Road, south of Agoura Road. There were no surviors.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Kobe Bryant was with his daughter Gianna Bryant on the helicopter prior to the crash:
Sources: Kobe Bryant was on his way to a travel basketball game with his daughter Gianna when the helicopter crashed. Those aboard the helicopter also included another player and parent.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
Having played his entire career with the Los Angelese Lakers, Bryant successfully made his way into the NBA's Hall of Fame by winning five championships with the side. Often regarded as one of the greatest to have ever played the sport, he ended his career in 2016 as an 18-time All-Star.
A great inspiration and role model to many in and out of basketball, Kobe Bryant also had a soft spot for soccer. The former Lakers star is known to have divided loyalties between La Liga giants Barcelona and Serie A club AC Milan.
His reported demise has cast a dark cloud on the whole sport industry and tributes from notable football stars have since poured in on social media.
No me jodas!! Me he quedado pálido!! Mi pésame a su familia, amigos, al mundo del baloncesto y deporte en general! D.E.P Kobe pic.twitter.com/rhp3U2c9f5
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe pic.twitter.com/nanyQBa6zO
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) January 26, 2020
Rest easy Legend pic.twitter.com/a0lWTWacKW
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) January 26, 2020
Kobe always showed up for us. He was there before 2015. He continued to be there after 2019.
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) January 26, 2020
We'll miss you and we'll miss Gigi. Rest In Peace, friend. We'll carry that Mamba Mentality forever. pic.twitter.com/SQQX4lss5W
It hurts so bad my thoughts and condolences to your family @kobebryant
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) January 27, 2020
Thank you for all the advices and stories we shared, Man you are a true Champion and a great Man
May you and your lovely daughter rest in Heaven #blackmamba #kobe pic.twitter.com/wtvKl5iQDu
My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of Kobe and of those who died in the terrible accident.
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) January 26, 2020
My heart is heavy with the news of Kobe Bryant. Prayers go out to his family right now through this unthinkable time.
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) January 26, 2020
Neymar paid tribute to Kobe Bryant by holding up the iconic No. 24 after scoring for PSG.
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) January 26, 2020
(via @beINSPORTSUSA)pic.twitter.com/svYirpiOTZ