Kobe Bryant died at the age of 41 in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, along with eight other people including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.
The basketball legend’s death came out as a shock to everyone and masses of people gathered to pay their respects at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. This arena served as Bryant’s home court for his 20 seasons in the NBA.
Fans came together outside the Staples Center for a touching display of solidarity amid tragedy. The Staples Center was host to the 2020 Grammy Awards on Sunday night, and the place was more crowded as the music awards show brought celebrities and spectators along with Bryant mourners.
Chrissy Teigen was on her way to attend the Grammys Was emotionally affected.
“Downtown right now and nothing feels more unimportant than what we are doing today,” she wrote on Twitter. “This is absolutely terrible. Everyone is numb.”
Bryant received a warm tribute from host Alicia Keys and other music stars, both on the red carpet beforehand and throughout performances during the Grammys ceremony.
In a statement, the National Basketball Players Association said it was “stunned and saddened” by Bryant’s untimely passing.
“Words cannot express his impact on our Players, the NBA and the game of basketball,” read the statement. “This is a monumental loss for the entire basketball community and our hearts are quite simply broken. We send love and prayers out to his wife Vanessa and the entire family.”
After the sad news of Bryant’s death, Rogriguez reflected on their friendship in an Instagram post.
Rodriguez wrote: “My heart hurts so much right now. I still can’t wrap my head around this.” “How can it be?”
“I learned so much from Kobe Bryant. He was naturally gifted but had a passion for basketball like no one else I’ve ever seen. His work ethic was impeccable and his stress on mastering the fundamentals is what elevated him to the player he was.
I’ve never met anyone more focused with a myopic approach. He didn’t pursue approval, affirmation or adulation. He pursued excellence and process. He followed my career and would often call to help with my health, daily routine … and would even chime in about hitting techniques.
He was a role model to me, and millions around the world.”
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