‘The world lost a giant’: Kobe Bryant mourned, remembered by celebrities following death

Lakers Kobe Bryant blows a kiss to the 95 thousand fans during the victory rally for the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday June 17, 2009 in Los Angeles. Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

‘The world lost a giant’: Kobe Bryant mourned, remembered by celebrities following death

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant, also known as “Mamba” in the sports world, was among five killed when a helicopter crashed along a hillside near Calabasas on Sunday morning, authorities and.

Among Kobe’s many accomplishments in basketball, he also received an Academy award in 2018 for Best Animated Short Film, “Dear Basketball.”

Celebrities took to Twitter to react to the shocking news of the player’s death.

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

Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 26, 2020

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

— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 26, 2020

The world lost a giant today
Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. Also praying for the other passengers that we lost and their families.

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 26, 2020

The world lost a giant today
Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. Also praying for the other passengers that we lost and their families.

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 26, 2020

Heartbroken. Prayers up for his soul, the others int the crash and his beautiful family. Ugh. The world just doesn’t seem right. Hug your loved ones friends. Don’t wait to tell them you love them. Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá. #KobeBryant

— justin baldoni (@justinbaldoni) January 26, 2020

This news is heartbreaking. I am lost for words. Praying for Vanessa and the Bryant family at this sad and difficult time. Rest In Paradise Young Legend. Heaven has gained another angel. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/kkRwtXa5Yc

— Ciara (@ciara) January 26, 2020

I went to Kobe’s last game ..he dropped 60 points on 50 shots to hand the Lakers a 101-96 win at a raucous Staples Center... we went wild!! Thanks so much for some great memories Black Mamba.. condolences to his family especially Vanessa and his daughters #ripkobe pic.twitter.com/Cj5526iTTR

— Loni Love (@LoniLove) January 26, 2020

He was great,charismatic & among the hardest-working athletes ever,but what impressed me most was how deeply-involved Kobe was with his 4 daughters. Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents & his fellow passengers' families on this sad and shocking day. We will never forget you Kobe

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) January 26, 2020

I cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god.

— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 26, 2020

I'm literally shocked. Sending prayers and love to Kobe's family, especially Vanessa and their four daughters.

— Busy Philipps (@BusyPhilipps) January 26, 2020

I am completely speechless and devastated at the unexpected passing of my dear friend, @kobebryant. Kobe had a big heart and an even bigger love for the community of Los Angeles. Through his foundation, he changed the lives of so many people and families with his wife, Vanessa. pic.twitter.com/4zs4zcjcfe

— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) January 26, 2020

RIP Kobe, hero to many including my grandson, extraordinary athlete and always kind to me & my family. My deepest condolences to his family

— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) January 26, 2020

I am shocked beyond words to read that Kobe Bryant has passed. The sports world has lost an enormous talent and humanitarian. Just irreplaceable. RIP Dear Kobe. pic.twitter.com/oeTaMMBsnZ

— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) January 26, 2020