Heartbreaking News in the Sports World: Basketball Star, Kobe Bryant, Dies in Helicopter Crash

Sometime during the early hours of Sunday morning on January 26^th, 2020, basketball legend Kobe Bryant was involved in a deadly helicopter crash in the northern Los Angeles area according to a news source. Kobe was accompanied by his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Bryant, along with seven others on board of the helicopter. Los Angeles times noted that the main cause of the crash was due to weather conditions. It was very foggy on the day of the crash causing the helicopter to fly lower than usual, resulting in the crash into the sides of a hill within the Los Angeles California area. The helicopter went up into flames causing a brush fire and leading to the deaths of a number of people. For the sports industry, this news has shocked and devastated many individuals across the world. Many refer this man to “The Black Mamba” which describes a large, highly venomous snake that can move with great speed and agility, mocking Kobe’s ability on the basketball court. Kobe was a lasting legend and a powerful leader and role model for all sports across the board, not just basketball. He wore the number 24 on the back of his jersey and his name and number will be talked about for years as he is considered one of the best players of all time on the court. The number 24 wasn’t Kobe’s first choice but he explained that when he was headed into the Lakers 2007 season he wanted a fresh start and a clean slate for his new team and his new mindset. The number 24 was for growth and to look forward to a successful future after his good buddy Shaquille O’Neal was traded. Some standout accomplishments that most people remember Kobe from are his Best NBA Player ESPY Award (2008 & 2010), NBA All-Rookie Team (1997), Multiple NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award, multiple All-NBA team, and as you can imagine… many more achievements and awards can be added to this very short list. Kobe was a buzzard beater, a team player, a leader, and a guy that absolutely loved the game of basketball and played every game with his whole heart. I don’t think anyone ever doubted his ability to shine and his ability to make such a strong impact on everyone around him. From my experience watching him play I could tell he loved what he did, and he gave 110% every outing he made on the basketball court. Along with his incredible achievements, Kobe’s impact moved beyond the court to people’s everyday life. His name and skills started the tradition that is something as simple as yelling “Kobe” when shooting a paper ball into the trash can. Outside of basketball, Kobe was married to his wife, Vanessa Laine Bryant, of 37 years and together they had 4 daughters, Gianna (13), Natalia (17), Bianka (3), and Capri (7 months). Kobe openly showed his love and support for his wife and kids no matter where his basketball career took him. He helped coach his daughters and attended their games much like they did for him. Along with being an amazing basketball player and father, Kobe had a good heart and helped out normal citizens as much as he could when they needed it. It was reported that Kobe was a witness of a car accident in the California area. It was told by TMZ Sports and even caught on video that Kobe Bryant was seen getting out of his car and assisting the victims who were involved and injured in the car crash. To me this proves how pure and genuine Kobe’s heart was and it also shows his character. He was a good man that held nothing but the best intentions for himself, his family, and everyone else around him that he came in contact with. It is a true tragedy for the sports world and my heart breaks for all of the families who were involved. Kobe was an amazing basketball player and I know that he will be forever remembered as one of the best to play the game. Rest in peace Kobe #24!!