Former basketball superstar Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash. The 41-year-old crashed near Los Angeles. Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter is among the nine dead.
By Marcus Schuler, ARD Studio Los Angeles
Hundreds of shocked fans make a pilgrimage to the Staples Center at night, where Kobe Bryant number 24 to 2016 played for the LA Lakers. People lay flowers, light candles, and “Kobe, Kobe” calls are heard over and over again.
“It’s just sad, especially when you see the pictures of him and his daughter. It’s a sad day for LA,” said Lakers fan Christian Oliva. Another fan says: “It was part of his mentality to always give the best and never give up. For 20 years he was the heart and soul of LA. It is very devastating.”
Shortly before 10 a.m. local time on Sunday morning, the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter crashed in foggy weather in Calabasas, a suburb of Los Angeles. Eight passengers and a pilot were on board. The crash site is mountainous and difficult to access. Fire chief Daryl Osby reported that some helpers had to be roped off from the helicopter. “They searched the area for possible survivors, unfortunately only the deaths of all those on board could be determined.”
“Much more than just a great athlete”
The death of the 41-year-old ex-professional who wanted to accompany his 13-year-old daughter to a basketball game triggered a shock wave in the sports world in the USA. Many sporting events were interrupted for memorial minutes. Doc Rivers, head coach of the LA Clippers competition team, was stunned: “He meant a lot to me. He was a great opponent. Exactly what you want in sports. He had genes that have few athletes, like Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan. “
Former NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said Bryant was much more than just a “great athlete”: “Kobe was an incredible family man. He loved his wife and daughters. He inspired an entire generation.”
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