NBA legend Kobe Bryant is one of nine people who died in a helicopter crash that occurred over Calabasas, Calif., on Sunday. His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, also passed away in the crash.
TMZ first reported that Bryant was among those in the fatal crash. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department initially confirmed that five people died, but Sheriff Alex Villanueva later told a news conference that the helicopter's manifest indicated nine people were on board — the pilot and eight passengers. He confirmed there were no survivors.
MORE: Bryant reportedly dies in helicopter crash
Bryant's death rocked not just the NBA, but the entire sports world. His greatness on the court transcended basketball, and he indisputably was one of the world's most influential individuals.
In the hours following his death, several trends arose on Twitter, including "Laker," "Mamba" "RIP Legend," "Mamba Forever," "Prayers," "Rest in Paradise" and "Kobe."
Here are some of the reactions from those in the sports world who heard of Bryant's untimely passing:
Sports world reacts to death of Kobe Bryant
I can’t even believe this is real... right now outside Staples. 💔 pic.twitter.com/yuunIbG2Ms
— Chiney Ogwumike (@Chiney321) January 26, 2020
Today's #Spurs/#Raptors game started with two 24-second violations in honor of Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/Wr26KpWKSG
— John Elizondo (@johndelizondo) January 26, 2020
The Rockets and Nuggets held a moment of silence before tipoff to remember Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/PAiFHze1LK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) 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
Hug someone you love today.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 26, 2020
Well said, @RealJayWilliams. pic.twitter.com/m9WnfP3sWn
NBA commissioner Adam Silver statement on sudden death of Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/5sHiu1sHEo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 26, 2020
There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
Literally this morning you reached out to me ....😔 I love you forever unc❤️ I love you pic.twitter.com/3oVgvKKUkm
— Shareef O’Neal (@SSJreef) January 26, 2020
GIGI❤️ love you cousin
— Shareef O’Neal (@SSJreef) January 26, 2020
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 26, 2020
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 you were my biggest fan, but I was yours #RIPMAMBA @NBA @espn @SLAMonline pic.twitter.com/Ll0BD6VWgr
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) January 26, 2020
The Orlando Magic is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kobe Bryant. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bryant family, the L.A. Lakers and the other victims of today’s tragedy and their families.
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 26, 2020
We will observe a moment of silence before tonight’s game.#RIPMAMBA pic.twitter.com/VwMzx4AKy5
I’m heartbroken by this news, you were a true legend, and friend. Rest In Peace @kobebryant, my thoughts and prayers to his wife and kids. #legend #mamba #goat pic.twitter.com/1VKYdbrVEk
— Tony Parker (@tonyparker) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe Bryant. I cannot believe I just typed those words. Just impossible to comprehend. He was becoming as big a force in his second career as he was on the court. God bless his wife and children.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 26, 2020
Man I don’t even know where to start😭😭 I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 26, 2020
RIP LEGEND
Watching the news reports & my heart is so torn like many of the fans that r devastated over the news of the tragedy involving @kobebryant HEARTBREAKING !
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 26, 2020
NO PLEASE🙏
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) January 26, 2020
this can’t be trueee!!🙏🙏🙏
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) January 26, 2020
Damn man.. RIP to a LEGEND.
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 26, 2020
This came out of nowhere. Absolutely devastating. pic.twitter.com/1MRtmR3IkT
Life is just too short and unfair sometimes. Greatness taken away in a heartbeat. RIP @kobebryant. Such a tragic loss. God bless your girls. 💔 #KobeBryant https://t.co/EzFNX0yQr8
— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) January 26, 2020
This one hurts 😪 RIP Kobe
— Nassir Little (@2ez_nassie) January 26, 2020
Devastated for all those families. Last time I spoke with Kobe he was excited about the next chapter in his life with his girls. https://t.co/tNlzVR9cAx
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) January 26, 2020
I’m legit crying right now! Wow Rest in paradise Kobe Bean Bryant!
— Kenjon Barner (@KBDeuce4) January 26, 2020
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
I’m hurt man...
— Jamal Adams (@Prez) January 26, 2020
Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 26, 2020
I can’t even put the words together for this....not Kobe
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) January 26, 2020
We can never forget how precious life is. How those who are special to you and never let them forget how deeply you love them
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 26, 2020
Some of My fondest memories of sports growing up were watching Kobe take over games with my dad. Modeled my mentality after him. Thanks for that Kobe. https://t.co/yRbe7mjYCH
— Joey Burrow (@Joe_Burrow10) January 26, 2020
R.I.P Kobe.. this is devastating💔
— Christian Kirk (@ckirk) January 26, 2020
I mean I just saw my guy Kobe with the fam in LA at a volleyball game...can’t believe it
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 26, 2020
Mamba out. Rest well Kobe. 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/ZMNLSnQMGq
— Emmanuel Acho (@thEMANacho) January 26, 2020
Warriors were practicing when the news of Kobe Bryant's death broke. They called off practice, canceled media availability. Like every emotionally rocked NBA franchise right now, a ton of people in the organization were connected to him in various ways.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 26, 2020
We all mourn the death of @kobebryant. My heart goes out to his family. May he rest in peace. 🙏
— Tony Allen (@aa000G9) January 26, 2020
Tiger and Kobe. 1996. Hug your loved ones. pic.twitter.com/ZYw0QBvJMI
— Tiger Tracker (@GCTigerTracker) January 26, 2020
Man my body so numb. Life wayyyyyy to short. Cherish every minute, hour, day with your loved ones. RIP KOBE
— Shaun Dion Hamilton (@iam_sdh20) January 26, 2020
Man Kobe was one of my fav/ greatest athletes of all time 💔. RIP to a great one
— Eryk Anders (@erykanders) January 26, 2020
Complete Sadness.....
— doc rivers (@DocRivers) January 26, 2020
This hurts no matter who you were a fan or what team you cheer for. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 out his family. #BlackMamba https://t.co/fZTiZ7WBep
— Charles “Buck” Arbuckle (@charlesarbuckle) January 26, 2020
Prayers and blessing to the @kobebryant family. Such a devastating time right now. A great friend, mentor to all,positive role model and teacher of the game. Words can’t express my feeling for him as a person, father and player. It hurts. RIP Black Mamba pic.twitter.com/qDCB5BObv7
— Donovan McNabb (@donovanjmcnabb) January 26, 2020
Horrible!!!! RIP my man 😞🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/anrin1KfWZ
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 26, 2020
I’ll never forget how delirious with joy #KobeBryant was after he won his #academyaward
— Adnan Virk (@adnansvirk) January 26, 2020
He was giddy as he hugged it out with me and @DanStanczyk and was thrilled when I mentioned his tremendous interviews with my dear friend @Cabbie
Prayers for his family pic.twitter.com/6P22W0BBWd
I’m at a loss for words. @kobebryant was a long-time friend, an inspiration and we shared our first ever commercial @espn together as professionals. I love you forever #RIPMAMBA pic.twitter.com/QpLG37cpdg
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) January 26, 2020
— James Conner (@JamesConner_) January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant was not only one of the greatest basketball players ever, he was also the hardest working player I’ve ever been around. I was so fortunate to have known him and coached him with Team USA. Our thoughts and our prayers are with his wife, Vanessa, and the Bryant family.
— Jim Boeheim (@therealboeheim) January 26, 2020
Neymar dedicated his 2nd goal to the late Kobe Bryant 🙏 pic.twitter.com/F5ES0prtdP
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 26, 2020
"It's a tough day for everybody. He's obviously one of the great sports legends."
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 26, 2020
- Coach Brooks on the passing of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/UdGeXRoPWS
“He had that DNA that very few athletes can ever have.”
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 26, 2020
-Doc Rivers on Kobe Bryant. (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/cFvM5dotCU
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
That moment on draft night feels as if it happened hours ago. It’s simply a blink. What actually happened hours ago is so incredibly heartbreaking and surreal. Praying God’s hand of comfort over the Bryant family. https://t.co/fNlmHuTBHt
— Ernie Johnson (@TurnerSportsEJ) January 26, 2020
Kobe, you changed the game and graced us with your gifts, both on and off the court. You will be missed.
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 26, 2020
Our hearts are with his family for their loss of Kobe and Gianna. #ForverMamba | #AllHeart pic.twitter.com/hxn0xFqLGg
Sacramento Kings Statement on the Passing of NBA Legend Kobe Bryant » https://t.co/31IY9Ntr6w pic.twitter.com/9QvSCfdC87
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) January 26, 2020
Came in as the next Jordan. Left as the one & only @kobebryant . The you for blessing us with the Mamba mentally. The mentality to conquer everything. Not just on the court. Community, business, family & basketball. Forever the mamba mentally will live in me & through me. RIP 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/xfKex9X5qA
— DeMarcus Lawrence (@TankLawrence) January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant was my HERO growing up. Even to this day he was an inspiration to the way I approached things. I woke up every day and saw this quote every time I opened my phone. His mentality motivated me not only in hard times but throughout my whole life. RIP, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/VtoYenQaYt
— Brooks Koepka (@BKoepka) January 26, 2020
