Rob Carr/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Celebrity sports fans from around the world are paying homage to NBA legend Kobe Bryant after he died in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday.
Fellow former NBA stars Dwyane Wade, Paul Pierce and Scottie Pippen were among the high-profile players who reacted to news of the beloved basketball player’s death.
Bryant was one of nine people on a private helicopter that went down in Calabasas, California, on Sunday, killing everyone on board. He was 41 years old.
Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was also killed in the crash, according to the NBA. The other victims in the crash have not been officially identified.
“Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true,” Cleveland Cavaliers player Kevin Love tweeted.
NBA legend Michael Jordan released a statement saying, “I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe — he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force.”
“Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply — and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball,” Jordan continued. “Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world.”
“I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day,” Pippen, an NBA Hall of Famer, tweeted.
“It’s a shocker to everyone, unbelievably said, and one of the more tragic days that — well, for me the reality is just setting in,” golfer Tiger Woods said in an interview after finishing his final round at the Farmers Insurance Open. He said he was told of Bryant’s death just after leaving the 18th green and was unaware why people were shouting “Do it for Mamba” during his round.
Hall of Famer and 11-time NBA champion Bill Russell tweeted an image of himself and Bryant along with a caption that said he was praying for his wife and children.
“Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game! Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls. @kobebryant,” Russell said. “You were my biggest fan, but I was yours #RIPMAMBA “
Twitter temporarily wasn’t working at around 3 p.m. ET as news of the player’s death flooded the platform. The term “Kobe” quickly became the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter, followed by “Mamba” and “BlackMamba.”
“Can’t be true. Just can’t be. Truly truly horrific. Rest In Peace Kobe,” NFL player JJ Watt tweeted.
Similarly, Wade said, “Nooooooooooo God please No!” In another post, Wade added: “RIP Kobe + GiGi ❤️