The entire sports world has been in mourning on Sunday since news broke Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas. Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna, as well as seven other people, also died in the crash.
The impact that Bryant made on the L.A. community during his 20-year career is unparalleled by any other athlete. He was a fan-favorite, a five-time championship and 18-time All-Star, but more importantly, a husband and father of four daughters.
Bryant was also a fan of the L.A. Dodgers and attended games throughout the years, even as recently as Game 4 of the 2018 World Series. He’d recently developed a relationship with Cody Bellinger.
In May 2018, Bryant sent Bellinger an autographed pair of the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro ‘Final Seconds.’ This offseason Bellinger has attended multiple Lakers games, including one at Staples Center with Kenley Jansen.
Bellinger was in New York to accept his 2019 National League MVP Award on Saturday night, and among those to congratulate him was Bryant in the final 24 hours of his life:
Thank you @kobebryant 🏆 #MambaMentality https://t.co/JBhAq6rKAd
— Cody Bellinger (@Cody_Bellinger) January 26, 2020
While the whole world is still in shock of Bryant’s death, a number of Dodgers players, as well as the organization itself, took to social media to pay tribute to the Los Angeles great and offer thoughts and prayers to his family and all of the other families involved.
We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. Our thoughts go out to all the families involved in the tragedy and everyone in the Lakers, Los Angeles and NBA communities. pic.twitter.com/NDcCDP0GtM
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 26, 2020
15 hours ago man… I actually cannot believe this. Praying for his family and close friends. Hoping it’s not true https://t.co/WI9UuuTGQ8
— Cody Bellinger (@Cody_Bellinger) January 26, 2020
I can’t think straight right now.
My heart is with Kobe’s wife Vanessa & their children who not only lost a husband and dad but a daughter and sister, Gianna. Love & prayers for all their friends & for all the families and friends of those who lost their lives today. Love to LA. pic.twitter.com/aiRYKeGTYV— Kenley Jansen (@kenleyjansen74) January 26, 2020
Man…. KOBE!! 😢 unbelievable heartbreaking news!! 💔 thoughts and prayers to the families of all the victims in this horrible accident! #RIPKobe
— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) January 26, 2020
Devastated. Prayers for Kobe and his family. He was the first athlete I ever wrote a letter to in hopes of him sending me an autograph back. Months later I had a Kobe card show up in the mail. First class human that impacted so many peoples lives in a positive manner.
— Alex Wood (@Awood45) January 26, 2020
Still can’t believe it! Im saddened by the news . A Real Life Hero #RIP . My condolences and prayers to the Bryant family . #blackmamba #lakers #nba pic.twitter.com/BYumFnGAic
— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) January 26, 2020
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