‘Nooooooooooo God please No!’ Shocking news of Kobe Bryant’s death stuns NBA community
The world was left in shock and in mourning after various media outlets confirmed that NBA legend and Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant was killed Sunday in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Bryant was on his way to a travel basketball game with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant when the helicopter crashed. Those aboard the helicopter also included another player and parent.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Sunday afternoon the crash had no survivors.
Soon after news surfaced of Bryant’s passing at age 41, the Miami Heat issued a statement.
“Our hearts are heavy with extreme sadness at this time,” the statement read. “We extend our deepest prayers, thoughts and condolences to the family of Kobe Bryant and those affected in today’s tragedy.”
Those who played with, played against and had a relationship with Bryant took to social media immediately, including those with ties to the Heat.
“Such a tragedy,” Heat owner Micky Arison tweeted. “RIP Kobe.”
“Nooooooooooo God please No!” Heat legend Dwyane Wade tweeted.
“Today is one of the saddest days in my lifetime,” a clearly emotional Wade went on to say in a video he posted Sunday night. “It seems like a bad dream that you just want to wake up from. Like a nightmare. I know we all feel the same way about such a great leader, a great champion, a great person. If you got a chance to really know Kobe, ain’t nobody better, man. Emotions are all over the place. These are the moments when you ask why. My heart, thoughts go out to Kobe’s family, his daughter Gigi. This is a sad day. There’s no way around it. ... He’s one of my favorite players and I got a chance to have a relationship, a friendship. I’m going to miss that friendship.”
Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement issued by the team: “Kobe Bryant was a Godsend to this world; not just to the NBA, but to all those who hold dear and cherish family, friends and faith. Today I mourn the tremendous loss of Kobe, his daughter, Gianna, and the other passengers. The Lord will bless Vanessa, the entire Bryant family, and all of those who lost their most precious loved ones today.”
Former Heat center and Bryant’s longtime Lakers teammate Shaquille O’Neal tweeted: “There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy. ... I love you and you will be missed.”
Heat forward Udonis Haslem posted a long message dedicated to Bryant on Instagram: “The respect I have for you as a man, a competitor and a leader are unmatched. Although I didn’t have a personal relationship with you, I watched the impact you had on the young greats coming behind you first hand. How you mentored them. How you challenged them. But you never hated on them as a generation. Only encouraged them to not settle for mediocrity but to push for greatness as you did everyday.”
“I am so sad at the tragic news today,” former Heat forward and current Heat executive Shane Battier tweeted. “Kobe was such a huge part of my career and my basketball life as a measuring stick, as an adversary, as a role model of basketball greatness. No one pushed me more. No one. I’m appreciative of our battles, Kobe, I am sad I will never get the chance to tell you that in person. RIP.”
“Haven’t shed tears since lil bro passed away,” Heat guard Dion Waiters posted. “Can’t stomach this ... at all. Wow prayers to his family.”
“NBA Soul Hurting #8 #24,” Heat big man Bam Adebayo tweeted.
“Every team has to retire 24,” Heat rookie Tyler Herro tweeted, referencing the number Bryant wore for the second part his NBA career.
Heat guard Goran Dragic tweeted: “Peace and power to the Bryant family, and basketball lovers around the world. R.I.P”
“I had the honor to shake Kobe’s hand before my first ever NBA game,” Heat center Meyers Leonard tweeted. “The man was a legend and that is a moment I will never forget. Prayers to his family and friends. Life is fragile.”
Heat center Kelly Olynyk posted a message on Instagram: “Blessed to compete against one of the greatest to ever compete. So sad hearing the tragic news. Praying for everyone involved.”
Former Heat guard Mario Chalmers also went to Instagram and posted: “I don’t wanna believe it ... you meant so much to the basketball community and to me as a person/player ... RIP KOBE.”
“Can’t be true ... just can’t be,” Justise Winslow tweeted when learning the news.
Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa and their three other daughters.
NBA games continued as scheduled Sunday. The Lakers’ next game is Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals. But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”
At the start of Sunday afternoon’s game between the Spurs and Raptors, both teams held the ball for a 24-second violation in honor of the No. 24 jersey Bryant wore.
This story was originally published January 26, 2020 at 5:53 PM.
