Gone but not forgotten. The world is mourning the loss of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant as news spreads of the athlete’s untimely death at the young age of 41. The former L.A. Lakers player lost his life in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, CA on Sunday morning, Jan. 26, along with eight other passengers — including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Maria Onore.
Dubbed the greatest basketball player of all time, Bryant is survived by his wife, Vanessa Bryant, and three other daughters, Natalia, Bianca, and newborn baby Capri. On January 30, Vanessa posted to Instagram letting the world know how much their outpouring of support meant to her and her family.
“I cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god,” Chrissy Teigen wrote on Twitter — and she’s far from only star in Hollywood completely shocked by this untimely news. Many celebrities have taken to social media to express their sympathy and sorrow.
Beyoncé
I will continue to diligently pray for your Queens. You are deeply missed beloved Kobe.
A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Jan 29, 2020 at 9:43pm PST
A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Jan 29, 2020 at 9:43pm PST
Beyoncé weighed in on the conversation on January 30, posting three photos to Instagram: one of Kobe and Gigi together, one of Gigi as a young girl, and one of Kobe as a young boy. “I will continue to diligently pray for your Queens,” she wrote. “You are deeply missed beloved Kobe.”
John Legend
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
“I’m so sad and stunned right now,” John Legend tweeted. “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.”
Gabrielle Union
Yesterday watching my husband & the kids in stunned silence, just staring at them, all of us thinking about @vanessabryant & her children and the families that lost pieces of their heart in an instant yesterday. Please remember that as life moves on for everyone else, the grief these families are experiencing just started. Please dont forget about them. Please dont forget about all the ppl who are suffering and frozen as life around them goes on. We love you. We are praying for you, for all of us struggling with unimaginable challenges we dont speak of.
A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion) on Jan 27, 2020 at 7:55am PST
“Please remember that as life moves on for everyone else, the grief these families are experiencing just started,” Gabrielle Union implored. “Please dont forget about them.”
Cher
My💔Goes Out To Kobe’s Family,Friends,Fans. It’s SO HARD To Deal With The Death Of a GREAT STAR,Because We Feel As If We Knew Them Personally.Kobe Bryant Was a GREAT ATHLETE,& All Of America Will Feel His Loss. The 🌎 Has Lost a Bright Light ✨🌟✨.
— Cher (@cher) January 26, 2020
“My [heart] Goes Out to Kobe’s Family,Friends,Fans. It’s So HARD To Deal With The Death Of a GREAT STAR, Because We Feel As If We Knew Them Personally,” Cher wrote.
Cardi B
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽Unbelievable
A post shared by Cardi B (@iamcardib) on Jan 27, 2020 at 5:03am PST
“Unbelievable,” Cardi B wrote, beside three prayer hand emojis.
David & Victoria Beckham
This tragic loss struck us hard as a family. Kobe Bryant was an incredible figure on and off the court, a friend to David and determined to inspire the next generation. The loss of a daughter and husband is unthinkable for any parent and wife. David, myself and our family send all our love to Vanessa, the other girls and the families of those that were tragically lost with Kobe yesterday ❤️ x VB
A post shared by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) on Jan 27, 2020 at 6:48am PST
It’s taken me hours to work out what to write and still my words won’t ever be enough to describe how I am feeling after the tragic loss of Kobe. This was one special athlete, husband, father and friend. Having to write these words is hard enough but also knowing we have lost an amazing human being and his beautiful and talented daughter Gianna is heartbreaking. The commitment Kobe showed to his sport was inspiring, to go through the pain and to finish a game off like only he could inspired me to try to be better. Sometimes I would only go to games just to watch that clock go down to the last 2:00 minutes knowing that we were about to witness something special. Kobe always talked about Vanessa and his beautiful girls and how proud he was of them. Kobe’s passion was his family and basketball. He was determined to inspire the next generation of boys and girls to embrace the sport that he loved. His legacy will live on. My family’s love and prayers go out to Vanessa and the girls, to Kobe’s basketball family, and of course to the families of those who were tragically lost with him yesterday… 💛💜
A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on Jan 27, 2020 at 4:46am PST
Victoria and David Beckham both took to Instagram to share their thoughts on Kobe’s tragic passing. “Kobe Bryant was an incredible figure on and off the court, a friend to David and determined to inspire the next generation,” Victoria shared. “His legacy will live on,” David wrote. “My family’s love and prayers go out to Vanessa and the girls.”
Ryan Seacrest
Love on the East Coast. #KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/HXRAHkCf8I
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) January 27, 2020
Ryan Seacrest shared a photo of a sign in NYC’s Bryant Park subway station, where someone had added the word “Kobe.” “Love on the East Coast,” he wrote.
Ben Stiller
Sending love and condolences to the Bryant family and the families of those lost today.
Hard to figure how to process, he was such a huge figure who gave the world so much, and was such a loving parent – you could tell even if you didn’t know him. #RIP
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) January 27, 2020
Ben Stiller took to Twitter to share his condolences too: “Hard to figure out how to process, he was such a huge figure who gave the world so much, and such a loving parent.”
Ben Affleck
My thoughts and prayers are with Kobe Bryant’s family, and the families of all those involved. Today reminds us just how short and precious life is, and a reason to be grateful and celebrate life while we can. Rest In Peace Mamba.
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) January 27, 2020
“Today reminds us just how short and precious life is, and a reason to be grateful and celebrate life while we can. Rest In Peace Mamba,” Ben Affleck wrote.
Samuel L. Jackson
Loved watching Kobe play. Loved watching him with his family. Loved every interaction with him. So broken by this tragedy. What a loss… trying to understand & accept.
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) January 27, 2020
Samuel L. Jackson expressed his grief on Twitter too: “Loved watching Kobe play. Loved watching him with his family,” he wrote. “So broken by this tragedy. What a loss… trying to understand & accept.”
Taylor Swift
My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can’t fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) January 26, 2020
“My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can’t fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.”
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
“Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act,” Obama wrote on Twitter. “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.”
Pink
My heart is absolutely broken today, hearing this news. I am sending light and love and prayers and healing to this beautiful family, and to the families of the others on board. 💔 “he or she who has loved and been loved, has lived” RIP
A post shared by P!NK (@pink) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:55pm PST
“My heart is absolutely broken today, hearing this news. I am sending light and love and prayers and healing to this beautiful family 💔,” the singer wrote on Instagram. “‘he or she who has loved and been loved, has lived’ RIP”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Love is forever.
A post shared by therock (@therock) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:48pm PST
The Rock’s tribute on IG was simple and heartfelt: “Love is forever.”
Kim Kardashian West
My heart is so heavy. No one should ever experience what the families involved are going through. This has affected us all so much but I cannot begin to imagine what Vanessa is feeling losing her husband and her baby girl. I cry just thinking about it. I am praying for the Bryant family, the Altobelli family and the families of all who perished in this unthinkable tragedy. Rest In Peace Legend
A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Jan 26, 2020 at 4:03pm PST
“My heart is so heavy. No one should ever experience what the families involved are going through,” Kim Kardashian West wrote on IG. “This has affected us all so much but I cannot begin to imagine what Vanessa is feeling losing her husband and her baby girl. I cry just thinking about it. I am praying for the Bryant family, the Altobelli family and the families of all who perished in this unthinkable tragedy. Rest In Peace Legend”
Kris Jenner
Devastated by the news of losing our precious Kobe Bryant. Words cannot express our sadness. All my deepest love and prayers are with Vanessa and Kobe’s family at this time. 💔🙏🏼
A post shared by Kris Jenner (@krisjenner) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:41pm PST
“Devastated by the news of losing our precious Kobe Bryant. Words cannot express our sadness. All my deepest love and prayers are with Vanessa and Kobe’s family at this time. 💔🙏🏼,” the momager shared on Instagram. After learning that Bryant’s daughter was also involved in the crash, she shared another update which read, “I don’t have the words. Every ounce of my heart is with you, Vanessa.”
Drake
😤😔🥺 it can’t be
A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:02pm PST
“It can’t be,” the singer wrote on Instagram.
Justin Bieber
It can’t be. You always encouraged me mamba. Gave me me some of the best quotes that we smile about to this day.! Love you man!
A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:20pm PST
“It can’t be,” the “Sorry” singer wrote on Instagram alongside a photo with the sports star. “You always encouraged me mamba. Gave me some of the best quotes that we smile about to this day! Love you man!”
Kevin Hart
This honestly doesn’t make sense….I just saw you man. This hurts my heart. God please place your hands on his family and help guide them thru this unbearable time. We love you forever man…Legends never die!!!! #MambaMentality #RIP…. RIP to the other passengers as well as sending prayers to their families. 🙏🏾
A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:42pm PST
“This honestly doesn’t make sense….I just saw you man. This hurts my heart. God please place your hands on his family and help guide them thru this unbearable time. We love you forever man…Legends never die!!!!” the comedian wrote. “RIP to the other passengers as well as sending prayers to their families.”
Kylie Jenner
at loss for words right now. praying for this beautiful family.
A post shared by Kylie 🤍 (@kyliejenner) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:03pm PST
“At loss for words right now,” the 22-year-old wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the athlete and his daughter. “Praying for this beautiful family.”
Demi Lovato
This makes me so sad. Kobe you were always so sweet to me. Known you over 10 years.. not super well but we always joked about you coming over and playing that game of horse! You will he so missed by so many. You’re a legend with wings now. RIP Kobe 💔💔💔 update I just heard his daughter Gigi was also in the accident and it breaks my heart. This whole family was so sweet and now they’re in my prayers heavy. RIP Gigi beautiful girl. 💔💔💔
A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:08pm PST
“You will be so missed by so many. You’re a legend with wings now,” the songstress shared on Instagram.
Paula Abdul
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
Scottie Pippen
I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 26, 2020
Larsa Pippen
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bryant family. So devastated
A post shared by Larsa Pippen (@larsapippen) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:17pm PST
Scottie’s wife, Larsa, also shared a photo of the athlete along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bryant family. So devastated.”
Gal Gadot
Rest In Peace legend. 💔
A post shared by Gal Gadot (@gal_gadot) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:46pm PST
“Rest In Peace legend,” shared the actress.
Ellen DeGeneres
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
“Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant,” TV host Ellen DeGeneres wrote. “My heart is broken for his wife and family.”
Jeremy Lin
Uhhhh. Noooo…life is too precious. RIP Kobe 🙏🏼
— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) January 26, 2020
“Uhhh. Noooo…life is too precious. RIP Kobe,” pro basketball player Jeremy Lin tweeted.
Jimmy Kimmel
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
“What impressed me most was how deeply-involved Kobe was with his 4 daughters,” Jimmy Kimmel shared. “Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents & his fellow passengers’ families on this sad and shocking day.”
Reese Witherspoon
Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant .💔An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well.
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) January 26, 2020
“Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant,” Reese Witherspoon wrote. “An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well.”
