Local And International Personalities Express Their Sadness Over Kobe Bryant's Death

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Kobe Bryant: “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.”

A post shared by NBA (@nba) on Jan 26, 2020 at 2:46pm PST

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I've never been an athlete and yet your impact on my life has been immeasurable. 😭💔 LEGENDS NEVER DIE. #MambaForever . . . . Excerpts from a blog post of mine from July 2011, and the last photo is from the game where my husband @jcintal7 got to play against Kobe. We are so fortunate to have met you in this lifetime.

A post shared by Bianca Gonzalez Intal (@iamsuperbianca) on Jan 26, 2020 at 4:47pm PST

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I could talk to you about anything. Anywhere. For hours. You did the unthinkable; let your guard down and let me in. Over six years, you mentored me, challenged me, sat and listened to me without breaking eye contact, no matter where in the world we were; no matter how many hundreds of people were trying to get your attention. And every time it was time to catch a flight and say peace, you’d shake your head and say the same thing—“You’re the roundest square I’ve ever met.” The only pictures I have of us are at work, but it wasn’t ever work. Nor was it play. It wasn’t like or love. It wasn’t brotherly or social. It just was. You told me you’d go out on top. Didn’t think you meant this. Rest well, Kobe. My heart is breaking for your family. But I gotchu, and will live the fullest in gratitude with mine. 🖤🐍⏺

A post shared by 🌏℠ (@sarah_meier) on Jan 26, 2020 at 5:01pm PST

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Broken. When I started playing basketball in high school, Kobe became my superstar. He taught me you can do anything you want in life, as long as you work hard for it. And the moment you give up, is the moment you let somebody else win. I can’t believe we lost a legend today. I still want to think that this is just a bad dream. You will forever be remembered, Kobe. Didn’t know it was possible to hurt this much for someone I’ve never met but looked up to completely. RIP, Kobe and Gianna. Also praying for the Bryant family. Can’t imagine what they’re going through right now. My heart is absolutely crushed. 💔 #LakersForever #MambaForever

A post shared by Laureen Uy (@laureen) on Jan 26, 2020 at 7:11pm PST

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“To me it’s just common sense, I’m thinking how can I get an advantage? Start early.” Thank you to one of the world’s fiercest competitors for inspiring us with your work ethic & your heart, @kobebryant. You’ve inspired me in mine :( #MambaMentalityForever

A post shared by Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) on Jan 26, 2020 at 5:43pm PST

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2011. I can still remember this day 😭 my ultimate fan girl moment l.. I still don’t know much about basketball but I know this man inspired every athlete all over the world including me! We all gotta have that Mamba Mentality! Never forget 💔

A post shared by Michele Gumabao (@gumabaomichele) on Jan 26, 2020 at 7:04pm PST

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HEARTBREAKING💔 RIP to the Legend Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant. 💔💔💔

A post shared by MAJA (@iammajasalvador) on Jan 26, 2020 at 6:45pm PST

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Rest peacefully Kobe, Gigi and the rest of the passengers we lost today. We’re all praying for your family. Thank you for making my childhood a good one Mamba. 😢

A post shared by C H I E (@chiefilomeno) on Jan 26, 2020 at 5:27pm PST

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This photo is sooo powerful! A father’s guidance, adoration, support, and unconditional love captured in one moment. 🤍 Woww... Los Angeles has lost 2 Angels. Heaven has gained 2 Mambas. ✨ Prayers up for the Bryant family, esp sending strength to his wife Vanessa. . Here’s to making more happy moments with those we love and I hope we’re all surrounded by people who are a force to encourage us to STEP UP and who will love us and RAISE US UP unconditionally! 🕊 #RestinPower #BlackMamba #Mambacita @kobebryant 👑👑👑

A post shared by KC - also, Kristina. (@itskcconcepcion) on Jan 26, 2020 at 3:02pm PST

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I am still in shock and in disbelief. This is truly heartbreaking. As the tributes come in, I also want to share a bit how Kobe has been an inspiration to me just as he has been to countless others across generations and continents. When times get tough and I want to give up or take it easy , I would think “what would Kobe do?”. Thank you Kobe for teaching us to be relentless in pursuit of excellence and reminding us that it is not about success , but the process. For reminding us that we only lose when we give up, not just on the court but including relationships. You showed us you are human too and make mistakes, but with humility, sincerity, repentance and faith in God, we can get back on the right track. And above all your achievements, you reminded us that it is LOVE for the family that ultimately matters. And we should cherish every moment of it. We will miss you Kobe. Thank you Lord for giving us Kobe Bryant and allowing us to witness Greatness! May he and the other victims rest in peace. Our prayers go out to their families as well 🙏 #mamba #Kobe

A post shared by Chris Tiu (@chris_tiu17) on Jan 26, 2020 at 8:25pm PST

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Rest In Peace 🐍 & 🐍cita #LegendsNeverDie

A post shared by JC Intal (@jcintal7) on Jan 26, 2020 at 7:58pm PST

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😭😭 Heartbroken. RIP @kobebryant, one of the greatest to ever play the game! Prayers to the Bryant family and the tragic passing also of his daughter Gianna and those passengers who elso perished in the accident. 💔💔💔 The basketball world is in shock right now. His legacy will live on forever 🙏 Life is so precious guys. Live to love God and live to be at peace with everyone, especially your loved ones. 🙏 . Staples Center was his house. I hope one day, it gets to be renamed THE KOBE BRYANT CENTER. 💔

A post shared by Doug Kramer (@dougkramer) on Jan 26, 2020 at 4:11pm PST

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RIP😞

A post shared by Xian Lim (@xianlimm) on Jan 26, 2020 at 4:16pm PST

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Studying you everyday and watching every video i can find about you.. Reading your book over and over again to see what else i can learn from you.. Pushing myself through injuries because thats what Kobe would do.. People call me crazy because instead of resting i would be training or practicing, but i would think "what would kobe do" .. I lost a hero today and so many else have but the Mamba will always live on.. Prayers to the Bryant's and to all the victims 🙏🏻.. Sad day.. #mambaout Still cant believe it..

A post shared by Gerald Anderson (@andersongeraldjr) on Jan 26, 2020 at 10:09pm PST

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This one’s tough. Waking up to the sad news of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, prayers to his family and all the passengers. Watching you play the game of basketball ever since you entered the league was truly inspiring.

A post shared by Marlon Stockinger (@marlonstockinger) on Jan 26, 2020 at 5:23pm PST

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The world lost a legend today but the impact and legacy he leaves behind will last forever! #RIPMamba

A post shared by Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) on Jan 26, 2020 at 3:34pm PST

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It can't be. You always encouraged me mamba. Gave me me some of the best quotes that we smile about to this day.! Love you man!

A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:20pm PST

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sadly, i never personally knew you, but knowing i’m capable of all these emotions for someone i only knew from a far makes me feel more human than ever. you had the magical ability of bringing people together, through sports and through your soul. we feel you so heavily today, i know you can feel us too. rest peacefully Kobe, Gigi and the rest of the passengers we lost today. my heart truly goes out to all the families. give a big hug to the people you love today and always

A post shared by Kendall (@kendalljenner) on Jan 26, 2020 at 2:59pm PST

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This makes me so sad. Kobe you were always so sweet to me. Known you over 10 years.. not super well but we always joked about you coming over and playing that game of horse! You will he so missed by so many. You’re a legend with wings now. RIP Kobe 💔💔💔 *update* I just heard his daughter Gigi was also in the accident and it breaks my heart. This whole family was so sweet and now they’re in my prayers heavy. RIP Gigi beautiful girl. 💔💔💔

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:08pm PST

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I’ve never been much of a sports fan but Kobe Bryant was a hero to me and it was his words and way of thinking and living that lifted me up during times where I felt like I couldn’t get off the ground. When I was 16 and going through what felt like an excruciatingly painful period in my life, I first saw Kobe’s MUSE documentary, and the mamba mentality is the only thing got me through every single performance. He was fighting inner demons, and so was I, and the way he used them to fuel his game on the court made me feel like I could use them to fuel me onstage. At my weakest moments I would channel a different person like he did, because when I felt broken and lost offstage, he taught me how to use my own pain, he taught me how to access strength I didn’t know I had, because on my worst days, I thought of Kobe and suddenly I could do things I didn’t think I could do. I watched every interview, I read every quote of his, and I wish that he knew how many times he saved me, how many times he helped me access a champion in myself that I couldn’t have seen on my own, how many times he helped me use my own demons, how many times he taught me how to use pain to make me a better person, how many times he taught me by example about life by the way he carried himself and the way he saw things.... and I never got the chance to tell him this in person. I’ve watched only two basketball games in my life, but what Kobe did for me changed the course of my life. I can’t imagine how many people he did this for. His legacy will live on in the lives and minds and souls that he touched, he made his mark not only in the game, but in humanity itself. He is a hero to me forever. Mamba forever 💔#kobebryant #giannabryant #restinpeace 💔

A post shared by camila (@camila_cabello) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:53pm PST

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💔I can’t believe this...Rest in Peace King and baby G.... thinking about Vanessa and their beautiful family during this time..I continue to go through photographs and still, this doesn’t seem real.. la loves you so deeply

A post shared by Bella 🦋 (@bellahadid) on Jan 26, 2020 at 11:58am PST

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💛

A post shared by Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) on Jan 26, 2020 at 2:02pm PST

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This is too much. Rest In Peace and love together, legends. Growing up a Kobe fan brought so much joy to my life, like so many, and we were all so excited to see sweet Gigi play someday. Sending strength and my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Bryant family, and all the families affected by this tragedy.

A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:10pm PST

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at loss for words right now. praying for this beautiful family.

A post shared by Kylie ✨ (@kyliejenner) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:03pm PST

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My heart is so heavy. No one should ever experience what the families involved are going through. This has affected us all so much but I cannot begin to imagine what Vanessa is feeling losing her husband and her baby girl. I cry just thinking about it. 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

A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Jan 26, 2020 at 4:03pm PST

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Lost for words. Rest easy Mamba 💔 #kobebryant #kanyewest

A post shared by Kanye West (@kanyew.est) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:41pm PST

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The GOAT 🐐😭💔 #kobebryant #kanyewest

A post shared by Kanye West (@kanyew.est) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:44pm PST

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🙏🏾 #kobebryant #kanyewest

A post shared by Kanye West (@kanyew.est) on Jan 26, 2020 at 3:09pm PST

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Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating. Melania and I send our warmest condolences to Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family. May God be with you all!

A post shared by President Donald J. Trump (@realdonaldtrump) on Jan 26, 2020 at 4:26pm PST

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As a mother, grandmother, sister, sports fan, parent. I can’t imagine the heartache for all . RIP Kobe and Gigi together 🙏🏻

A post shared by Mindy Weiss (@mindyweiss) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:06pm PST

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Superhuman, icon, endless hard worker, and one of the greatest of all time. @kobebryant your legacy will inspire endless generations to come. ❤️

A post shared by Olivia Palermo (@oliviapalermo) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:55pm PST

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💔

A post shared by Shay Mitchell (@shaymitchell) on Jan 26, 2020 at 6:09pm PST

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A lot of questions right now. Our faith is being tested...but all I can say is thank you 🙏🏽. May you and Gianna rest easy!

A post shared by Wardell Curry (@stephencurry30) on Jan 26, 2020 at 7:15pm PST