Kobe Bryant dead at 41: Michael Jordan leads tributes as sporting world mourns NBA legend after helicopter crash

MICHAEL JORDAN said “words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling” following the tragic news that LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash, aged 41.

Bryant, and his daughter Gianna, were travelling with at least seven others in a private aircraft when it came down in Calabasas near LA, California.

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Reuters

And Jordan- widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all-time – led the tributes as the world mourned the all-time NBA legend.

He said: “I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling.

“I loved Kobe – he was like a brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force.

“Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply – and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball.”

Meanwhile Kobe’s former LA Lakers team-mate Shaquille O’Neal echoed MJ’s words, by saying “no words could express his pain.”

Shaq wrote: “There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of loosing my niece Gigi & my brother Kobe Bryant.

“I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW.”

Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe – he was like a brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations

Michael Jordan on Kobe Bryant

Fellow legend Kareem Abdul-Jabber posted a video paying tribute to a man who “was much more than an athlete.”

The NBA’s all-time leading points scorer said: “Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players.

“But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete.”

Six-time NBA Champion Scottie Pippen said: “I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.”

NBA all-timer Bill Russell tweeted out: “Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game!

“Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls. You were my biggest fan, but I was yours #RIPMAMBA”.

Dwyane Wade, Bryant’s former Olympics teammate and fellow NBA star, reposted a montage video on Instagram highlighting No. 24’s career accomplishments.

“RIP Kobe + GiGi,” he captioned the heartbreaking post.

“I know you said keep going but today we can’t. We love you and we’re gonna miss you brother.”

And Tony Parker posted: “I’m heartbroken by this news, you were a true legend, and friend. Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers to his wife and kids. #legend #mamba #goat”

While the NBA said in a statement: “We are stunned and devastated by the news of the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant. Words cannot express his impact on our players, the NBA, and the game of basketball.

“This is a monumental loss for the entire basketball community and our hearts are quite simply broken.

“We send our love and prayers out to his wife Vanessa and the entire family.”

Bryant starred for two decades for the Los Angeles Lakers, amassing a historic five championships while making 18 All-Star Games.

His partnership with O’Neal at the most well-known basketball team on the planet saw him become a household name first across America, then the world.

He even won an Oscar for best short animated film in 2018 for Dear Basketball, a five-minute film based on a love letter to the sport he had written in 2015.

There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy

Shaquille O'Neal

President Trump tweeted: “Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!”

And former President Barack Obama wrote: “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.”

While legendary New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady posted: “We miss you already Kobe.”

It has been confirmed that a total of nine people died in the crash, including daughter Gianna, 13.

Across this side of the pond, the likes of Gary Lineker, Piers Morgan and Raheem Sterling all extended their tributes to the Basketball icon.

Manchester City ace Sterling said: “Rest easy Legend.”

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel released a lengthy statement in Bryant’s memory, hailing one of the ‘hardest-working athletes ever’.

He tweeted: “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.”

Michelle and I send love and prayers to the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.

Barack Obama

Musician John Legend penned: “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.”

While NHL legend Wayne Gretzky posted: “Janet and I have no words to describe our shock and sadness on the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant today. Praying for him and his family.”

Kobe is survived by his wife and three children: Natalia, Bianca and newborn Capri, who was born in June 2019.

The retired athlete is considered one of the best basketball players of all time and played for 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He was a 5-time NBA champion.