(Photo Source: 10news.com)

Celebrating the life of the late NBA star

Kobe Bryant, one of the NBA’s most widely recognized and beloved players, died in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles on Sunday while on his way to his daughter’s basketball tournament. His daughter Gianna, who was just thirteen years old, also died in the crash.

Bryant had three other daughters with his wife of nearly twenty years, Vanessa. After officials confirmed Bryant’s death on Sunday, tributes from world leaders, celebrities, and fellow basketball stars poured in.

“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,” former President Barack Obama tweeted.

“There are no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences go out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW,” Shaquille O’Neill wrote.

On Sunday night, NBA players made on-court tributes to Bryant. The Spurs and Raptors both let the 24-second clock run out on purpose, in a nod to the fact that Bryant wore jersey number 24 for most of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.