NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash Sunday morning.
Seven additional people, including the pilot, were on the helicopter’s flight manifest but will not be identified until the coroner’s report is released and family members are notified, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s Department confirmed there were no survivors of the crash.
The plane crashed just outside of Los Angeles, in which Bryant and his daughter were flying to attend an AAU Basketball Game, according to ESPN.
Born in Philadelphia, Bryant graduated from Lower Merion High School and went on to become one of the best NBA players of all-time. During his 20-year basketball career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant won five NBA Championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and one NBA MVP.
He finished as the fourth-highest scorer in the history of the NBA with 33,643 points. Bryant also won two Olympic Gold Medals in 2008 and 2012.
Not only was Bryant an avid basketball player, but a soccer fan. Bryant grew up a fan of Italian Serie A side AC Milan after being introduced to the sport while his father played basketball in Italy.
Bryant traveled often to attend Major League Soccer games, as well as matches in Europe. He recently became a spokesperson for the partnership between energy drink company BodyArmor and MLS, which Bryant helped announce during MLS Media Day in Los Angeles earlier this month.
As players, coaches and fans in the NBA mourned Bryant’s passing, the news rocked the soccer world as well. Stars from the United States National Teams and MLS shared their sympathies following the news on social media.
PSG and Brazil star Neymar honored Bryant by holding up the “24” with his fingers scoring a goal against Lille on Sunday.
Dia triste pra nós dos esporte, pra nós fãs e principalmente pra família e amigos de kobe. Com suas mãos se fez lenda, obrigado por exaltar o esporte Kobe… que Deus conforte o coração de sua família e amigos 🙏🏽🖤 #ripkobebryant #24 pic.twitter.com/QPjIy7Fhou
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) January 26, 2020
A legend, and a friend to us and our sport. Our hearts break today.
Rest In Peace, Kobe and Gigi. pic.twitter.com/R5qkgERv9k
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) January 26, 2020
Major League Soccer mourns the loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and all of the victims of today’s tragic accident. We are devastated by this news, and extend our condolences to the Bryant family and the families and friends of everyone involved. pic.twitter.com/iwEzfPiv8z
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 26, 2020
I’m shook right now. Just so tragic and sad. 😢 🙏
— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) January 26, 2020
My condolences to Kobe‘s family and everyone involved in this tragedy. Still shocked about this sad news I received this morning
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Mis condolencias a la familia de Kobe y a los involucrados en esta tragedia. https://t.co/xBZZz4JECV— Nicolas Lodeiro (@NicolasLodeiro) January 26, 2020
Kobe just 10 days ago I had the pleasure of meeting you and felt what a great human being you were. I really thank you for some of the kind words you said when we spoke. I am so sad that you are gone. Rest in peace. #rip #kobe pic.twitter.com/viUHR5F2P2
— Nani (@luisnani) January 26, 2020
A man that transcended sport and truly made people want to be at their best. Rest in power. @kobebryant #BlackMamba pic.twitter.com/7N0KQsQDZl
— CJ Sapong (@BigAfrika88) January 26, 2020
We have no words to express how shocked we are to hear of the tragic passing of one of the greatest sportsmen of all time and Rossonero fan, Kobe Bryant. All our thoughts are with the families of those affected by this tragic accident. You will forever be missed, Kobe 🙏❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/FOd365chEL
— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 26, 2020
A KIng of Kings, and true Legend of the game and in our hearts…Rest up now Champ!!!!
RIP!! Speechless, what a tragedy!!!
RIP Kobe Bryant✌? you are a legend that will forever be remembered in our hearts♥?.