In the wake of the news of Kobe Bryant’s tragic death in a helicopter crash that also took the life of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, as well as seven other passengers Sunday, shock and sadness have reverberated throughout the sports world and beyond. As the nation grieves the legendary Los Angeles Laker and his aspiring WNBA star daughter, “GiGi,” people are undoubtedly hugging their loved ones a bit tighter, and reexamining what it means to truly live life to the fullest.
Many have taken to social media to mourn the devastating loss, including several athletes, celebrities, and community leaders from Maryland. Here are some of their reactions:
“That’s a legend. He did so much for the game of basketball. A lot of people looked to Kobe Bryant, including myself.”
Lamar Jackson on Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/7guQmmGgAE — Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 26, 2020
"Everybody in our locker room was hurt.”@Lj_Era8 talked about the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/Rn62ye5aFr — Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 27, 2020
I idolize Kobe. I always looked up to him. He was the reason I was a Lakers fan. And just knowing that we lost that type of legend and that type of leadership in this community, in this world, it hurts a lot.” —University of Maryland Terrapins forward Jalen Smith to 247 Sports.
Rest in Heaven bean!
Your legacy will live forever :pray::skin-tone-5:#BlackMambalivesforever https://t.co/4a66fgAnZd — Mark Ingram II (@markingram21) January 27, 2020
Momma, Kobe, Mambacita
I know y’all were watching and cheering us on tonight with a big smile on yalls faces:dove_of_peace::dove_of_peace::dove_of_peace::heart:️:heart:️:heart:️.
Continue to look down on us and lift us up with all the love strength and Passion you have:pray::skin-tone-5::pray::skin-tone-5::pray::skin-tone-5::dove_of_peace::heart:️. #LifeDoesntBelongToUS:sleepy: — Bruno Fernando™ (@BrunoFernandoMV) January 27, 2020
When my pops used to tell me I need to play with that dog in me, Kobe was the one who turned words into action for me. I appreciate you! :pray::skin-tone-4: @kobebryant @acowan20 #RIPKobe — Ant Cowan Jr. (@AnthonyCowanJr) January 27, 2020
Still in shock, thank you for everything you did for the game and so many others #RIPMAMBA :pray::skin-tone-3: — Jake Layman (@JLayman10) January 26, 2020
Hurting like the rest of the world right now but not as much as Kobe’s Family. Everybody keep them in your thoughts and prayers #RIPKobe — Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 26, 2020
Rest In Peace Kobe & Gigi.
This is bigger than basketball though. Today, 3 daughters lost their father & a sister. A wife lost her husband & a child. Heartbreaking. Praying for Kobe’s Family & the other victims #RiPKobe #RIPGigi pic.twitter.com/n3lG69tn8Q — Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 26, 2020
Stunned and saddened to hear of the passing of @kobebryant, his daughter, Gianna and the other passengers! God bless and comfort their family. — O.J. Brigance (@OJBrigance) January 26, 2020
I’m sick! Kobe was different man! That’s part of my childhood gone! Legendary athlete and mindset. :pray::skin-tone-6: — Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) January 26, 2020
“God always calls his angels home for a reason” - Lamar Jackson on Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/9SMrS0L7eo — Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) January 27, 2020
Wow. What a sad day. Keeping Kobe’s family and friends in my prayers. I live in the same area and would see him time to time. He was a gracious superstar. Always took the time to smile and say hello to his many fans (me being one of those fans) #sadday @masnOrioles — Jim Palmer (@Jim22Palmer) January 26, 2020
A man who inspired so many people and showed the world what an ultimate competitor looked like. Prayers go out to his family and the numerous people he impacted through his life, #RIPMamba you will truly be missed. https://t.co/1giItLc8vb — David Hess (@hess_express28) January 27, 2020
Unbelievable!! I prayed this was fake.... Rest in Paradise to an absolute legend! #KobeBryant #24forever — Cedric Mullins (@cedmull30) January 26, 2020
I speak for myself and athletes around the world when I say Kobe Bryant was the main reason for a lot of my work ethic and mentality on the field and the court. He was one of a kind and nobody outworked him. I learned so much from him and will forever be grateful. Thank you Kobe — D.L. Hall (@dl_hall33) January 27, 2020
Rest in peace to a legend that will never be forgotten. Wow. Incomprehensible. #RIPMamba — John Means (@JMeans25) January 26, 2020
RIP to both Mambas!!! Prayers to all :pray::skin-tone-4: pic.twitter.com/A77tXdMbCq — Dwight Smith Jr (@DSmittyJr) January 26, 2020
R.I.P. to an athletic legend. So sad to hear. Life is so fragile #mamba — Ryan McKenna (@Ry_mac35) January 26, 2020
Praying for Vanessa Bryant, her surviving daughters and the extended Bryant family on the tragic loss of @kobebryant and Gianna Bryant. May God bless the souls of all who were lost in the crash. — Maya R. Cummings, Ph.D. (@MayaRockeymoore) January 26, 2020
Touching tribute to Kobe Bryant by Host Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men kicking off the #GRAMMYs.
"We are literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built." pic.twitter.com/uVmJD57fbD — Amy Kawata TV (@AmyKawata) January 27, 2020