Fans, celebrities react to death of retired NBA legend Kobe Bryant after crash

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH/KTLA) — Condolences are pouring in for Kobe Bryant, including from the President of the United States.

Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2020

Former teammate Shaquille O’Neal expressed his sadness at losing both Kobe and Gianna Bryant.

There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020

Former President Barak Obama recalled his friend.

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

NBA legend Michael Jordan also offered his thoughts.

Tom Brady tweeted his sadness with hearts and prayers for Kobe.

We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020

The NBA player Dwayne Wade expressed his disbelief.

Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recalled his friend.

Damn. RIP Mamba. May your memory be a blessing
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 26, 2020

Former Ohio Governor John Kasich offered his thoughts.

Terrible news about Kobe Bryant, a young man who was hitting his stride in so many ways.
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) January 26, 2020

NBA legend Bill Russell also shared his memories of Kobe.

Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game! Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls. @kobebryant you were my biggest fan, but I was yours #RIPMAMBA @NBA @espn @SLAMonline pic.twitter.com/Ll0BD6VWgr
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) January 26, 2020

The Houston Texans JJ Watts also expressed his disbelief.

Can’t be true.
Just can’t be.
Truly truly horrific.

Rest In Peace Kobe.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 26, 2020

Disney CEO Robert Iger:

Today we @WaltDisneyCo mourn the tragic loss of @kobebryant…a giant in sports and a person so full of life. Terrible news and so hard to process….
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) January 26, 2020

Chloe Jackson with the WNBA’s Chicago Sky posted a video of the time she met Bryant.

💔I will never forget this moment.. Your impact on the game, your impact on sports. An inspiration, a legend, an icon, the Goat. RIP Kobe pic.twitter.com/Hf7oMbGvxo
— Chloe Jackson (@Clj_0) January 26, 2020

Presidential candidate Andrew Yang and singer Bruno Mars also posted about Bryant’s legacy.

This is the worst news. Kobe is an all-time great who had his entire life ahead of him. My heart goes out to his family, his fans and the millions of people whose lives he touched. Today Kobe is the greatest of all time. 🙏🏀 https://t.co/saR4dJ7412
— Andrew Yang🧢 (@AndrewYang) January 26, 2020

Kobe was a real life super hero on that court & I’m sure he was one to his family. Sending love and prayers to them. This is heartbreaking.
— Bruno Mars (@BrunoMars) January 26, 2020

Dr. J Julius Erving, who played with Bryant’s father Joe, offered his condolences as well.

Sadly absorbing the tragic news about my teammates loss of his Son and granddaughter. Joe and Pam I humbly offer my condolences. Vanessa so sorry for your loss and pray you remain strong and focused on you and Kobe’s dreams for your family. Here Always for you…
— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) January 26, 2020

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