MMA Community reacts to tragic Kobe Bryant death
Today, TMZ announced the news that NBA legend Kobe Bryant had passed away in a helicopter crash.
The former professional basketball player died on Sunday morning in a helicopter incident in Calabasas, Los Angeles.
Bryant was travelling with at least 3 other people when the private helicopter began to go down. A fire broke out on board and emergency services were called but nobody survived. 5 individuals are currently confirmed dead.
Kobe’s wife Vanessa Bryant was reportedly not on the helicopter. However, his daughter Gianna Bryant was a confirmed passenger and died on-board. She was a rising basketball star in her own right and was travelling to the Mamba Academy for basketball practice when the crash happened. Gianna Bryant passed away at just 13 years old. According to sources, another player and parent were also on the helicopter during the crash.
The 41-year old is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA players of all time. Kobe made the 18 man All-star team in 1996 and accomplished five NBA championships wins during his 20-year career. He also accomplished 2 NBA Finals MVPs and was the league MVP in 2008.
The basketball player lead the league in scoring for two seasons and was on all 15 All-NBA teams and 13 All-Defensive Teams. He ranks fourth in the NBA for all-time postseason scoring and all-time regular-season scoring.
The veteran athlete was a frequent flyer and used the helicopter for many years, dating back to his time in the Lakers. Kobe would use his helicopter to commute from Newport Beach in California to the Staples Center in his Sikorsky S-76 chopper.
Eyewitness accounts report the helicopter engine sputtering before it crashed. The tragic event is currently under investigation.
The MMA community reacted to the tragic news including UFC president Dana White, Michael Bisping and Jorge Masvidal. See their reactions below:
A million apologies and condolences we just lost a super athlete #ripKobe
— BMF.eth (@GamebredFighter) January 26, 2020
I am beyond sorry for the loss of Kobe Bryant and all fellow passengers on that fateful flight. He left a legacy few can hold a candle to. Remember, tomorrow is not guaranteed, LIVE YOUR FUCKING LIFE!!!
— michael (@bisping) January 26, 2020
Just sad man…
Woke up to the news and it’s sad az.— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) January 26, 2020
Bruh wtf !?!?!!?!!??!!!
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/RandyCosta135/status/1221524081436004354
https://twitter.com/dc_mma/status/1221542468811755521
https://twitter.com/AlanJouban/status/1221520192234192896
RIP to a real leader and motivator #KobeBryant #8 #24 pic.twitter.com/QlP2F7cVkx
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/danawhite/status/1221519443102068741
https://twitter.com/francis_ngannou/status/1221528199911243783
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7y-a4fgR76/?utm_source=ig_embed
RIP 😔 pic.twitter.com/2WltryiF2W
— danawhite (@danawhite) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/POSTERBOYJM/status/1221525135619870720
Just landed … Heartbreaking news. Rest In Peace to an absolute legend.
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe. Tragic. In absolute shock.
— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/GilbertDurinho/status/1221520574389870595
https://twitter.com/dc_mma/status/1221522086255972352
People always ask if I'm related to Kobe Bryant. I'm not, but I am very sad to hear the news of his passing. What a shame. He was lovely the few times I spoke with him… #RIPMAMBA #RIPKobeBryant
— Karyn Bryant (@KarynBryant) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/FrankieEdgar/status/1221520916405878784
Rip pic.twitter.com/oIM6sph2Cv
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) January 26, 2020
Rip pic.twitter.com/tO1GicrqS7
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) January 26, 2020
What a man !! #ripkobe https://t.co/rTdArzNdjJ
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/BradTavares/status/1221530318760370176
I just had 2 people message me that Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash. I don’t believe this. Is this for real?
— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/MikeMav22/status/1221519958020173830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1221519958020173830&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mmafighting.com%2F2020%2F1%2F26%2F21082636%2Fkobe-bryant-death-mma-community-reacts-twitter
https://twitter.com/Super_Sodiq/status/1221527346630492163
https://twitter.com/RazorBlaydes265/status/1221524623461777409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1221524623461777409&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mmafighting.com%2F2020%2F1%2F26%2F21082636%2Fkobe-bryant-death-mma-community-reacts-twitter
Speechless! Rest Easy G.O.A.T. @kobebryant @ Homewood, Alabama https://t.co/c6hhz0vuUM
— Walt Harris (@thebigticket205) January 26, 2020
I had the pleasure to watch one of the greatest play the game. Prayers go out to his family. RIP☠ pic.twitter.com/jEbRn2b7sv
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) January 26, 2020
Please let this not be true!!! https://t.co/8slY0az1n3
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/criscyborg/status/1221524587831128070
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) January 26, 2020
Can’t believe what I just heard. My heart is broken. God bless his family. @kobebryant
— glover teixeira (@gloverteixeira) January 26, 2020
One of the greatest athletes of all time . RIP KOBE BRYANT 😢 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/iAk0vdR98B
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/ZakCummings/status/1221532964410089472
I'm seeing Kobes 4 daughters may have been in the chopper with him. This is getting unbearable. My god. 🙏🏽
— Arjan Singh Bhullar (@TheOneASB) January 26, 2020
It’s hard to believe https://t.co/fY3LyjZ5Dg
— Aiemann Zahabi (@Aiemannzahabi) January 26, 2020
RIP @kobebryant
— Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/erykanders/status/1221524057151004672
Rest In Peace brother 🙏#kobebryant #kobe pic.twitter.com/h952aiyey5
— Gökhan Saki (@gokhantherebel) January 26, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bryant family at this time. RIP Kobe.
Topics:
Dana White UFC
