The death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and 7 others in a helicopter accident on Sunday elicited an outpouring of responses, including several with connections to the University of Kentucky.
Our heroes aren’t supposed to die.
They are supposed to live forever!
My dad cried when Mickey Mantle died.
My mom cried when Muhammad Ali died.
For the first time, I understand why they were moved to tears.
The tragic death of 9 people in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday brought with it the terrible news that, for many, a hero had died.
Kobe Bryant was only 41 years old. His daughter, Gianna, was only 13. This helicopter crash claimed their lives, along with the lives of 7 others.
Kobe Bryant’s legacy is complicated, as were the emotions expressed regarding his untimely death. These sentiments were all over social media on Sunday.
Many connected to the University of Kentucky athletics expressed their complicated emotions, as well.
"This one hurts! RIP MAMBA"
"Not Kobe…"
"Numb. Rest, Mamba. Rest, Gianna."
"This can’t be real"
Nate Sestina, over two tweets:
"My favorite player ever…Cannot be true"
"I hope I wake up tomorrow and this was all just a terrible dream #RIPMamba"
"This can’t be real…..I’m shook#ripkobe"
Yesterday was the NFL Pro Bowl. The announcement of the helicopter crash came across the news wire as the game was being played. Athletes were interviewed on the sidelines expressing their grief and passing along prayers for the surviving family members.
Za’Darius Smith led his fellow NFC defensive Pro Bowlers in a Kobe Bryant tribute during his sack celebration in the game.
John Calipari expressed these sentiments in a Twitter thread:
We are all in a state of shock over the news of Kobe, his 13-year-old daughter and those who perished with them.
"No word work on a day like today; only a prayer:Lord, we all mourn the untimely death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and the others who lost their lives today. May you grant eternal rest to them, O Lord; and let your light perpetually shine upon them. Amen."
Kobe Bryant and Gianna are survived by Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife, and Gianna’s mother, as well as Natalia, Bianca, and Capri, Kobe’s other daughters.