Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Sunday, a source confirmed to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Bryant was 41.
The Filipino sports community shared their thoughts and condolences after the death of the Los Angeles Lakers legend.
The PBA has lost a dear friend in Kobe Bryant who leaves behind fond memories of seven unforgettable visits (cont) https://t.co/dQD7zGreEl
— PBA (@pbaconnect) January 27, 2020
Heartbroken....🙏💔
— Jimmy Alapag (@JAlapag3) January 26, 2020
He inspired one of the most inspiring people I ever met. Let's get up some shots and say a prayer and make this short time count. https://t.co/jsIoMCo1mz
— Rafe Bartholomew (@Rafeboogs) January 26, 2020
Thank you for being an inspiration to us 🙏🏼 R.I.P @kobebryant https://t.co/RmdOU9E0N0
— Renren Ritualo (@RenrenRitualo14) January 26, 2020
A sad sad day 💔💔💔
— Gabe Norwood (@GNorwood5) January 26, 2020
Prayers sent to the Bryant family, friends, and all those affected by the tragedy of today.
More than basketball, He is a father🥺..i just cant fathom things right now..like this cant be real..my sincerest condolences to the Bryant family..May God give you strength,peace and comfort in these tough times 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/XwooJzSWu4
— Bobby Ray Parks Jr. (@ray1parks) January 26, 2020
🖤🐍🙏🏽😢 Your IMPACT and LEGACY canNOT be explained in words. Thoughts and prayers out to you and your family. #RIPMamba #RIPGiGi 💔 https://t.co/GCWH5nl9OP
— Solomon Mercado (@M3rcMyWords) January 26, 2020
Still can't believe it until now #mambaout pic.twitter.com/tf3PPeugFf
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) January 26, 2020
Lost for words. No the news i wanted to hear when i woke up. 😭 Life's short man. Appreciate everybody around you to the fullest! Do not take anything for granted. You were one of the reasons i played the sport, Kobe. You are the reason why i want to be great. 😭 https://t.co/pvYRWd4Zm9
— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) January 26, 2020
This is too much. My heart 💔 pic.twitter.com/TPYTrapyDS
— Alyssa Valdez (@AlyssaValdez2) January 26, 2020
RIP KOBE!!!!! Oh my God. Please guys enjoy every second of life!!! I cant believe this!
— Joe Devance (@jdv_38) January 26, 2020
He gave so much to all of us and still had so much more to give. Too young, too much life ahead of him. Tragic. #KOBERIP
— Tim Cone (@manilacone) January 26, 2020
The world lost a legend today but the impact and legacy he leaves behind will last forever! #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/Sp56zAvrht
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) January 26, 2020
Basketball and sports have lost a giant. pic.twitter.com/OvhOIcsByw
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) January 27, 2020
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) also joined the entire sports community in mourning the death of Bryant.
"The PBA has lost a dear friend in Kobe Bryant who leaves behind fond memories of seven unforgettable visits to our country. Kobe was an exceptional basketball player but beyond his athletic skills, he was known for his caring heart and love of family. His life was an inspiration and a lesson to everyone that with hard work, dedication and self-sacrifice, nothing is impossible. At 41, Kobe is gone too soon but his legacy will last forever. The PBA mourns the passage of a man who has touched the lives of millions. Rest in peace, Kobe," the PBA said in a statement.
The SBP said, meanwhile, said "the basketball world just lost one of its greatest sons."
"Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas is grieved by the news, and we send extend our deepest condolences to his family. Kobe was greatness personified. From the way he carried himself to the work he puts into his game - committedly he always did it with passion and with style. His handful of trips to the Philippines has made him one of the most beloved NBA players among Filipino fans and we will all remember these moments fondly, especially the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend, where he amazed us with his talent, and wowed us with his electric personality," SBP's statement read.
"FIBA and the basketball world as a whole lost one of its top ambassadors. Rest in Peace, Kobe. Thank you for showing us what it means to be a true competitor and as genuine a true sportsman."
