The death of Kobe Bryant shocked the whole world with fellow basketball players, celebrities and political figures expressing disbelief at the news.
The NBA legend Kobe Bryant died Sunday, January 26, when the helicopter they were riding crashed and burst into flames in foggy hillside of suburban Calabasas, Los Angeles, leaving 9 people dead.
Among those who died were:
Kobe Bryant
Gianna Bryant
John Altobelli- Father of Alyssa
Keri Altobelli- Mom of Alyssa
Alyssa Altobelli- Mamba Teammate
Christina Mauser- Coach
Sarah Chester- Mom of Payton
Payton Chester- Mamba Teammate
Ara Zobayan- Pilot

Tribute and tweets of sadness, disbelief and comfort flooded Twitter for Kobe.
Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. 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.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 26, 2020
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
The Wolves won the opening tip and placed the ball right where Kobe passed MJ on the all-time scoring list 🥺 (via @BleacherReport) pic.twitter.com/5boiIYGUuq
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 28, 2020
Huskies and Team USA honored Kobe and Gigi Bryant, along with the other 7 victims of the helicopter crash, with a 24 second of silence pregame ♥️ @UConnWBB @usabasketball pic.twitter.com/jMp4INTFU9
— WSLAM (@wslam) January 28, 2020
Mamba out. Rest well Kobe. 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/ZMNLSnQMGq
— Emmanuel Acho (@thEMANacho) January 26, 2020
Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020