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First Kobe Bryant and now Chadwick Boseman: How 2020 stole two icons

Fans declare 2020 as the 'year from hell' after the death of two legendary icons- Kobe Bryant and Chawick Bosman, in the same year

When we welcomed 2020 little did we know how it would be the year that turned the world upside down? From a deadly pandemic that has ensured that all of us stayed cooped up at our homes in isolation, but at the same time fighting for justice against police brutality and promoting Black Lives Matter movement in an unprecedented way. Amidst all these landmark events, we have also lost some of our favorite icons in 2020.

The first month of the year began with the world collectively grieving the loss of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, fast forward to August and we lost another icon, 'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman. On January 26, the helicopter that Bryant was flying in crashed into a mountainside in Calabasas, California. The crash was so bad that the legendary player's body had to be verified by his fingerprints after his body was found in the dirt outside the wreckage of the chopper.

Bryant was flying along with his daughter Gianna. The 13-year-old girl's body was found in a ravine on the opposite side of Bryant's body, according to the autopsy report. The report revealed that Bryant and the other passengers on the helicopter suffered an instant due to the blunt force trauma caused by the crash.

While the world is still trying to process from the loss of Bryant, the sudden demise of Chadwick Boseman left everybody feeling shellshocked. The 43-year-old star who is best known for his role in the hit film 'Black Panther' died on Friday, August 28. According to the actor's publicist Nick Fioravante, the star was at his Los Angeles home when he died, with his wife and family by his side. The actor's representative revealed that he died of cancer.

Following his death, the actor's family and loved ones took to his official Instagram page to share the sad news with his fans and the world. They posted, "It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.⁣ Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV. ⁣ A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. ⁣It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. ⁣He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. ⁣The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time."

When fans learned about the death of Chadwick, they expressed their sadness over how the world lost two icons in 2020. A fan tweeted, "First Kobe, then we lost Pop smoke, then Naya Rivera and now now Chadwick Boseman.... man just throw 2020 away for real smh, this year ain’t it #ripchadwickboseman."

Another fan wrote, "First Kobe and now Chadwick. From Shooting Basketballs and saying “Kobe” to screaming “Wakanda Forever”. These legends will be missed."

"First Kobe, now Chadwick Boseman. 2020 has been the year from hell, man. RIP to a legend," expressed a fan.

"We need to go ahead and wrap 2020 in a box and bury it as the “year we don’t speak of” CHADWICK?!!!!! First Kobe but now T’challa!!!," shared a fan.

"You know what sucks? The fact that there is so much racial injustice, turmoil, and unrest going on in 2020 and not one but TWO influential black icons die in the same god damn year. First Kobe now Chadwick. RIP Black Mamba and Black Panther. Truly a blow for the black community.," observed a fan.