An exciting day for the San Francisco 49ers turned into a tragic one for the world of sports. The team learned of the passing of beloved and iconic basketball player Kobe Bryant as it traveled from San Jose Airport to Miami International Airport on Sunday.
The NBA legend and former Los Angeles Lakers player was 41 years old. Kobe Bryant, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Sunday morning while traveling amid foggy conditions, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
#BREAKING: Kobe Bryant, the NBA and MVP who spanned a 20-year career with the L.A. Lakers, died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas. He was 41.
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) January 26, 2020
Several 49ers players reacted to the news via social media as their Miami-bound plane is in the air. The team is scheduled to land shortly after 7:00 p.m. ET.
Bryant played 20 seasons in the NFL, all with the Lakers, was a five-time NBA champion, and 18-time NBA All-Star. He retired in 2016.
Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, have three other daughters — Natalia, Bianca, and Capri.
Man this can't be true....🙏🏾
— Jason Verrett (@Jfeeva_2) January 26, 2020
KB24 🙏🏾
— tmoore601 (@tarvarius2) January 26, 2020
Wooow this cant be real dawg‼️
— Kwon Alexander (@kwon) January 26, 2020
bro stfu
— dante (@dmainy_13) January 26, 2020
No no no no no omg
— Jullian Taylor (@JuTaylor8) January 26, 2020
Ain't no way
— DJ Jones (@djjones_44) January 26, 2020
Just don't have the words.... #Kobe
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 26, 2020
I'm speechless OMG
— Jullian Taylor (@JuTaylor8) January 26, 2020
This is a nightmare!
— Jullian Taylor (@JuTaylor8) January 26, 2020
WHAT! NAHHHH THIS AINT FORREAL!?!?!? @kobebryant ???
— MG (@marquisegoodwin) January 26, 2020
If Kobe can go we all can.. life is a blessing but it's temporary
— Keaundre Greenlaw (@DreGreenlaw) January 26, 2020
This man was a real love super hero
— Jullian Taylor (@JuTaylor8) January 26, 2020
🙏🏾🖤 🐍 🙏🏾🖤🐍🙏🏾🖤🐍🙏🏾🖤🐍🙏🏾🖤🐍🙏🏾🖤🐍🙏🏾🖤🐍🙏🏾🖤🐍🙏🏾🖤
— Damontre' Moore (@tmoore94) January 26, 2020
Had the pleasure of listening to Kobe speak a year ago. He talked about striving to be just as good of a husband and father as he was a basketball player. This one hurts. Praying for the Bryants and all the families effected. #RIPMamba
— Jordan Matthews (@jmattjmattjmatt) January 26, 2020
That's why I wake up happy everyday and give thanks to the man above because I know tomorrow ain't promise! Enjoy life to the fullest!
— Kwon Alexander (@kwon) January 26, 2020
Not the Mamba...😰
— Jaquiski 'Quaski' Tartt (@Quaski29) January 26, 2020
Doesn't seem real... #RIPKobeBryant❤
i dont want a world without kobe
— dante (@dmainy_13) January 26, 2020
Unbelievable ... https://t.co/wiPpv9uE0a
— George Kittle (@gkittle46) January 26, 2020
I'm not waiting to do anything the rest of my life. I'm going for it all while I got breath. No more saving the best for last... gotta put my best forward every time! Life can end any second. #RipKobe
— MG (@marquisegoodwin) January 26, 2020
Wow.. I'm at a loss for words. Prayers and thoughts are with the families right now.. #RIPMAMBA #LEGEND pic.twitter.com/96KKJa5niZ
— Matt Breida (@MattBreida) January 26, 2020
Sending prayers out to the Bryant family and the other victim(s) family effected by this tragic event!!!
— Damontre' Moore (@tmoore94) January 26, 2020
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
RIP to Kobe and his daughter Gigi, And I'm so sorry to anyone else injured that was involved in the crash. This is horrible and tough to put into words. Only thing I can say is many condolences to the families and they will be in my prayers.
— Ronald Blair III (@superblair) January 26, 2020
A legend gone too soon.
With heavy hearts we send our condolences to the Bryant Family after the tragic loss of Kobe & Gianna. Prayers for all the families who lost a loved one 🙏 #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/i8U5936UuC
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 26, 2020
The following were posted shortly after the 49ers' plane landed at Miami International Airport.
So so sad. Doesn't even feel real. RIP Kobe and Gianna🙏🏾💔 pic.twitter.com/GtlfwxCiiY
— Fred Warner (@fred_warner) January 27, 2020
Just landed in Miami... heart's heavy after the passing of a true legend. Truly cannot believe it. Thank you for everything!! True inspiration! #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/fPObvGClzQ
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) January 27, 2020
This is leadership. After a long speech Kobe took time to congratulate my wife on her pregnancy and wish her good luck on training post delivery. He was Cheyna's favorite athlete growing up. My son was born on 8/24. Thanks Brother 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/xuLWsfQkWg
— Jordan Matthews (@jmattjmattjmatt) January 27, 2020
Kobe...legends never die we appreciate everything you given us I still can't believe this
— Jerick Mckinnon (@JetMckinnon1) January 27, 2020
Devastating😞 Praying for everyone with loved ones in this tragedy. Please hold the ones close to you so tight. pic.twitter.com/3J0FJSaqoB
— Solomon Thomas (@SollyThomas90) January 27, 2020
This hurts, this one really hurts.. RIP Gigi & Kobe
— DJ_2Great (@D7_Reed) January 27, 2020