Obama, Shaq and others pay tribute to 'Mamba' Kobe Bryant

The world received news on Sunday of the death of 41-year-old NBA player Kobe Bryant. The basketball champion was killed in a helicopter crash along with 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria Onore Bryant and a few others. They were flying over Calabasas, California in foggy conditions. Bryant was said to be on his way to a game. The cause of the crash was not known.
The world loses an 'extraordinary athlete'

Bryant's game was considered a legacy. He was an 11-time NBA champion and inspired players the world over. On hearing the news of his death, fans started gathering in hordes outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles and Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach, where he attended mass with his family. They also conducted vigils at several makeshift memorials in other places. Alicia Keys and members of Boys II Men sang 'It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday' during a tribute to the late star.

Basketball star Shaquille O'Neal took to Instagram to post a picture of them together and wrote: There are no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of loosing my neice Gigi & my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie. I love you and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW !
While Barack Obama called the basketball star a “legend on the court”, Magic Johnson said the news was "hard to accept" and that he was "crying all morning". Whoopi Goldberg took to Twitter and wrote: RIP Kobe, hero to many including my grandson, extraordinary athlete and always kind to me & my family. My deepest condolences to his family. Actor Idris Elba wrote on Twitter: “Kobe is G. Will always be remembered. A sad day.” Kim Kardashian posted: 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
Sachin Tendulkar wrote on Twitter: Saddened to hear about the tragic demise of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna & others on-board the helicopter. My condolences to his family, friends and fans across the world. #KobeBryant
DID YOU KNOW?
Kobe Bryant won an Oscar Award for best animated short at the 90th Academy Awards (2018) for 'Dear Basketball'.