The sudden death of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant left the sports world in shock and disbelief. Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others were killed when the helicopter they were traveling in crashed into Calabasas, a California hillside.

The crash caused fire, that made it difficult for first responders to get to the site of the accident.

Bryant, 41, retired from basketball after the 2016 season after an illustrious career spanning 20 years in which he won five National Basketball Association (NBA) championships, two Olympic gold medals, one NBA MVP and two NBA finals MVP. He also featured in the NBA All-star team 18 times in his career.

He started his career with the Lakers in 1996 and played for the franchise for 20 straight season scoring 33,643 points and ranks fourth in NBA’s  all-time regular season scoring list.

Lakers retired both of the jersey numbers he wore (No. 8 and No. 24) in a ceremony in 2017, and he was seen court-side with his family often even after his retirement.

In fact, Bryant was discussed at length by LeBron James on Saturday night after James passed the Lakers legend in NBA’s all-time scoring list.

After the news of his demise was out, countless figures including former US presidents, basketball stars and the sports world reacted to Kobe Bryant’s death. Most expressed a sense of complete shock. Others sent prayers to Bryant’s family.

“Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act,” wrote former US president Barack Obama.

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

“He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future,” said US President Donald Trump in a tweet.

Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating….

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2020

Laker Nation, the game of basketball & our city, will never be the same without Kobe. Cookie & I are praying for Vanessa, his beautiful daughters Natalia, Bianka & Capri, as well as his parents Joe & Pam & his sisters. We will always be here for the Bryant family. pic.twitter.com/WWxmtEAJqZ

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020

This is from last night from @KingJames about Kobe Bryant, just unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/xa1L61yIOY

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 26, 2020

Athletes from other sports also reacted and poured in condolences to the Bryant family.

So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legendpic.twitter.com/qKb3oiDHxH

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) January 26, 2020

Dia triste pra nós dos esporte, pra nós fãs e principalmente pra família e amigos de kobe. Com suas mãos se fez lenda, obrigado por exaltar o esporte Kobe… que Deus conforte o coração de sua família e amigos #ripkobebryant #24 pic.twitter.com/QPjIy7Fhou

— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) January 26, 2020

I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsman in the world. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock.

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 27, 2020

Saddened to hear about the tragic demise of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna & others on-board the helicopter.
My condolences to his family, friends and fans across the world. #KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/N8B4Tcr4KU

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 27, 2020

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