Nike paid a tribute to Kobe Bryant after the basketball legend and his 13-year-old daughter died in a helicopter crash in California.
The company called the former Los Angeles Lakers player a “beloved member of the Nike family.”
“Along with millions of athletes and fans throughout the world, we are devastated by today’s tragic news,” Nike’s statement said.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to those close to Kobe, especially his family and friends. He was one of the greatest athletes of his generation and has had an immeasurable impact on the world of sport and the community of basketball.
He was a beloved member of the Nike family. We will miss him greatly. Mamba forever.”
In 2003, Kobe signed a sneaker endorsement deal with Nike. He partnered with Nike to establish a basketball program for kids called Mamba League after retiring from the NBA in 2016.
“Even though he has a pretty large business to run, he still finds time to mentor me,” Bryant said in 2016, according to Complex. “He’s a muse, he’s taught me about leadership, and focus, and direction. To have such a close relationship with Mark, I’m just extremely, extremely thankful.”
The 2020 Nike Forum experience showed models wearing the brand’s vibrant line of athleisure and included pieces designed for the upcoming 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Vanessa Bryant, spoke out for the first time last week after Kobe and her daughter’s demise. In an Instagram post, she revealed that she is “devastated” over the loss of her “adoring” husband and their “beautiful, sweet” daughter Gianna.
“My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers,” Vanessa wrote.
“We definitely need them. We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri,” she said.
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