Lost a Hero, the World Wept... Tributes Continue Following Kobe Bryant's Death

'NBA Legend' Passes Away, Waves of Mourning

Jordan: "He Was Like a Brother to Me"

▲On the 26th (local time), fans gathered at a temporary memorial near the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, to pay tribute and light candles for the legendary NBA star Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash. The Staples Center is the home arena of the LA Lakers, where Bryant played for 20 years. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] News of the death of legendary NBA star Kobe Bryant (41) in a helicopter crash on the 26th (local time) has sparked a wave of condolences from all walks of life.

U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted on the day, "Bryant was one of the greatest basketball players of all time and was just beginning his life," adding, "He loved his family deeply and had a strong passion for the future."

Former President Barack Obama also paid tribute, saying, "Sending love and prayers." Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed their condolences, stating, "Kobe brought joy and excitement to basketball fans around the world and across the U.S."

Basketball legend Michael Jordan expressed his sorrow, saying, "I loved Kobe. He was like a brother to me," and "I will deeply miss the conversations we shared."

Bryant lost his life when the helicopter he was riding in crashed in Calabasas, about 48 km west of Los Angeles, California. The helicopter was carrying nine people, including Bryant's second daughter Gianna (13), Gianna's friend, one of her parents, a basketball coach and assistant coach from Orange Coast College, and the helicopter pilot. All were reported to have died at the scene.

Bryant was reportedly on his way to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California, when the accident occurred.

Kobe Bryant, son of former NBA player Joe Bryant, was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 after graduating from high school, but was immediately traded to the LA Lakers, where he played exclusively for 20 years until his retirement in 2016.

During his 20-year career, Bryant led his team to five NBA championships and was selected to the All-Star team 18 times. He was also the scoring champion for two seasons. His illustrious career includes the 2008 regular season MVP, 2009 and 2010 playoff MVP, and four-time All-Star MVP awards.

His total NBA career points stand at 33,643, ranking fourth in NBA history behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, and LeBron James.

The LA Lakers retired Bryant's jersey numbers 8 and 24 in honor of his career.

He also represented the United States national team, winning gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.