The former basketball legend and daughter Gianna were on a helicopter to his Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California when the crash happened. The aircraft, which is believed to have been carrying nine people in total, a pilot and eight passengers, went down on 26th January, 2020 in Calabasas, California, United States.
It is believed that the crash might have been caused due to bad weather conditions. According to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)'s spokesperson Josh Rubenstein, “the fog was severe enough Sunday morning that the LAPD's Air Support Division grounded it’s helicopters and didn’t fly until later in the afternoon.”
Former United States president Barack Obama also mourned the NBA star. "Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act," Obama wrote on Twitter. "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."
Many fans have been seen at the Staples Center laying flowers as they mourn Kobe.
Who is Kobe Bryant?
Kobe Bean Bryant was an American professional basketball player. He was born on 23rd August, 1978 to Joe and Pam Bryant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was married to Vanessa Laine Bryant with whom they had four daughters.
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The 18-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA first-teamer led the Lakers to five NBA championships and scored 33,643 points in his 20-year NBA career. Bryant retired after the 2015-16 season, having spent his entire career with the Lakers. The franchise retired his No. 8 and No. 24 jersey numbers in December 2017.
Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant
Giannawas the second born of four daughters of Kobe and Vanessa Laine Bryant. She was born on 1st May, 2006 and attended Sierra Canyon School. The 13 year-old was an aspiring basketball star. This was confirmed by her father in 2018 on the Jimmy Kimmel Live Show. When asked if Gianna might want to play in the WNBA, he replied, “She does for sure.” Gianna was commonly known as Gigi.
Rest in peace Kobe Bryant. Rest in peace Angels.
