Shock took over Hollywood upon the news that Kobe Bryant, 41, died Sunday in a helicopter accident outside of Calabasas, Calif. Bryant was one of nine people, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, who died on board his private helicopter.
Former President Barack Obama, Kanye West, Jamie Foxx, Chrissy Teigen, and John Legend were among those who shared their disbelief over the news on social media.
“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.”
West shared a photo in the recording studio with Bryant and said, “Kobe, We love you brother. We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave.”
Fox took to Instagram, also posting a photo of Bryant and his family. “Just can’t take this one,” Foxx captioned the picture. “Sending up prayers to your beautiful family. This hurt for a lifetime… @kobebryant you will be missed for eternity. REST IN POWER.”
Teigen expressed similar sentiments, saying, “I cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god.” Her husband, John Legend, wrote, “I’m so sad and stunned right now. In Staples Arena, where Kobe created so many memories for all of us, preparing to pay tribute to another brilliant man we lost too soon, Nipsey Hussle. Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes. Hold on to your loved ones. We miss you, Kobe.”
Bryant, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers during his storied career, was regarded as an icon in the Southern California community. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a statement, saying, “Kobe Bryant was a giant who inspired, amazed, and thrilled people everywhere with his incomparable skill on the court — and awed us with his intellect and humility as a father, husband, creative genius, and ambassador for the game he loved.
“He will live forever in the heart of Los Angeles and will be remembered through the ages as one of our greatest heroes. This is a moment that leaves us struggling to find words that express the magnitude of shock and sorrow we are all feeling right now, and I am keeping Kobe’s entire family in my prayers at this time of unimaginable grief.”
Fellow NBA legend Shaq found it hard to express his devastation. “There are no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece [sic] Gigi & my brother @kobebryant,” Shaq said. “I love u and u will be missed. My condolences go out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. I’M SICK RIGHT NOW.”
Reese Witherspoon paid her respects on social media, offering support to Bryant’s family. “Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant. An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well,” she wrote on Twitter.
