Sierra Leone Telegraph: 27 January 2020:
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, issued a statement Sunday, regarding the world’s most successful and celebrated basketball player – Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in California yesterday, along with his 13 year old daughter and six others.
Forty-one years old Kobe Bryant and his daughter were on their way to a basketball match in which his daughter was to have played, and with Kobe as their team coach, when the helicopter crashed. This is what NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said:
“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning.
“He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals.
But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability.
“He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”
More on Kobe Bryant’s passing:
Kobe Bryant dies at 41 in helicopter crash: https://www.nba.com/article/2020/01/26/kobe-bryant-dies-helicopter-crash
NBA world reacts to Kobe’s sudden passing: https://www.nba.com/twitter-reacts-kobe-bryant-passing
Kobe Bryant: A career in images: https://www.nba.com/kobe-bryant-career-in-images
All Access: Kobe’s career: https://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2016/04/13/kobe-bryant-ultimate-career-all-access-mix.nba
- Link: Kobe Bryant dies at 41 in helicopter crash
- Link: NBA world reacts to Kobe’s sudden passing
- Link: Kobe Bryant: A career in images
We are for God and to Him we shall return. This gentleman was kind to everyone; whosoever was lucky to meet or see him for their problem. He left a legacy behind him that we remember for the rest of our lifetime. Our condolences go to the entire family and friends of Mr. Kobe Bryant. It is a really heartbreak indeed, but at the same time this is the work of God, he does whatever He wants to do without questioning. O Lord mighty, we ask you kindly to forgive all the victims’ sins including our brother Kobe. Amen
Sad and heartbreaking to hear such a tragic story. It took me sometime to believe this tragic story and even turning the TV on was a problem. What a loss. The Lord Almighty can call anyone of us at anytime. When the almighty makes that call to anyone, that person has to go forever.
Death is something that every living thing on earth has to face. So be it. Sad. I pray that the families of the deceased stay strong and courageous. Let them see this loss as part of the cycle of life on earth. With that, they will pass this difficult time and get spiritual healing, which will bring love and peace into their hearts from the Almighty God. John 3 verse 16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. Can you imagine? This bible quote should serve as courageous spiritual words for the families of the deceased.
My heartfelt sympathy to the families of all those who died and may their souls rest in perfect peace. Amen and Amen.
R.I.P Kobe Bryant…..Words cannot Express how I feel…….
RIP Black Mamba and Gianna.
Sports fans across the globe will dearly miss this legend, and iconic figure in the worldof basketball. Like most basket fans, the news of Kobe’s death hit me really hard, I was shocked and speechless when I first came across the news. It’s unfathomable that this has indeed happened. As a millennial, Kobe was the number one reason I grew to love the game of basketball. Having spent most of my early childhood in Sierra Leone, soccer was the only major sport that I was accustomed to. However, moving to the U.S in the early part of 2001 and completing my high school education here changes everything. Almost overnight, because of superstars like Kobe, my interest in basketball superseded that of soccer.
During the climax of the Laker’s team winning streak, I am talking about in 2001, 2002 etc, wearing Kobe’s NUMBER 8 jersey (old one before he switch to NUMBER 24) in high school, was sure enough to illicit some attention towards you. As a newcomer to the game of basketball, I instantly became a LAKERS fan. Over the years, I have followed him with great admiration; not once has Kobe disappointed me, not even when he has his infidelity issue with his spouse.
This iconic figure was the true definition of a role model. His competitiveness, cool, calm and collected demeanor is second to none in the world of basketball stars. May the almighty forgive all his misdeeds on earth and may his soul rest in perfect peace.
A sad day for the United States, the NBA and the world basketball community, a legendary superstar that made many people happy has been snatched away by the all knowing hands of existence. Here today, gone tomorrow – such are the ways of existence…Strange is it not?
As millions once celebrated and cheered loudly for him, so also will countless millions now mourn and shed sorrowful tears for him? A father and good man gone too soon…May God Almighty, show mercy, and grant you a smooth transition Kobe Bryant…Rest In Peace!