On Sunday, Jan. 26, the world was hit with the devastating news that Kobe Bryant had passed away.
Kobe Bryant, a retired basketball player of the Los Angeles Lakers, died at the age of 41 in a helicopter crash. He was known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was an 18-time All-Star, five-time Finals champion, the league's MVP in 2008, a father of four, and a loving husband.
On the day of the helicopter crash, Bryant, his daughter, and other families were heading to the “Mamba” Sports Foundation which is named after Bryant’s NBA nickname. All parties that were on the helicopter died in the crash.
Kobe Bryant’s daughter, Gianna, was 13 years old and was very talented. Bryant and his daughter shared love for the game of basketball. “She is as better as me when I was her age” he told Jimmy Kimmel on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
People around the world were tweeting and posting about this heartbreaking news. “It’s like you can’t get on social media without seeing someone post about Kobe Bryant and his daughter,” said Kylee Harrell, a student at Spring Hill College.
Before his great legacy in the NBA, Bryant ran into some struggles. He was charged with sexual assault at the age of 19 during the beginning of his career. The charges were dropped a couple weeks later after it was announced to the public. But, that is not what Bryant is remembered for, he is remembered for his legacy and his stand-up personality.
Angela Kazek, the Athletic Layson, stated, “I think we lost a mentor to a lot of people, but not only that, he was an influence to the WNBA and to his daughters. He was the only consistent basketball player that attended WNBA games.” Bryant cared about every aspect of basketball. Having a daughter that dreamed to be in the WNBA also helped him support his family.
Bryant also influenced people who weren’t basketball players. Easton Hollis, Captain of the Bowling Team, stated “Kobe Bryant to me was a legend to basketball and all athletes. He taught work ethic and cared about his teammates and daughters. He taught me to love the sport that you play and it doesn’t have to be the coolest sport ever.” Kobe Bryant was appreciated in women's soccer as well, he believed that the American Women's Soccer Team were role models for the girls in the U.S. and for his four daughters.
Kobe Bryant left his legacy and his teachings. He helped people believe in themselves and showed us that each individual matters. He will go down in history as a very heroic man.