Kobe Bryant death: Leonardo Dicaprio, Priyanka Chopra among Hollywood stars paying tribute to legend
In a tragic turn of events, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were killed early Sunday morning (January 26) in a helicopter crash, at Calabasas, California.
Hollywood stars including Leonardo DiCaprio and Hilary Duff, took to social media to express their grief.
In a heartfelt tweet, DiCaprio wrote that LA would never be the same. "Kobe was truly larger than life, a legend. May he and all those who lost their lives today rest in peace. Love and condolences to his family. LA will never be the same."
Priyanka Chopra penned an emotional post on Instagram, "Kobe Bryant was my first real introduction to the NBA. I was 13 living in Queens NYC, the same age as his sweet little girl, Gianna. He ignited my love for the sport, competition, and striving for excellence. He inspired an entire generation. His legacy is so much bigger than basketball. This heartbreaking accident also took the life of his young daughter, Gianna. I’m shook and so saddened. My heart goes out to Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri Bryant. You are in my thoughts. Also sending my condolences to the loved ones of the other family and pilot in the accident. Being at tonight’s Grammys ceremony in his home at the Staples Center is going to be surreal."
Hilary Duff shared a photo of Bryant and his daughter Gianna on Instagram and wrote, "Can’t stop thinking about this. Look at these beautiful smiles...sending all my love to Vanessa and her kids and the other families that lost loved ones today. Truly heartbreaking and unfair."
President Donald Trump wrote, "Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating...."
Disney CEO Bob Iger wrote, "Today we @WaltDisneyCo mourn the tragic loss of @kobebryant...a giant in sports and a person so full of life. Terrible news and so hard to process...."
"Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family," Ellen DeGenres tweeted.
Kobe and his daughter Gianna were on their way to the Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks where Gianna was following in the footsteps of her LA Laker legend dad. They were among nine passengers killed in the crash.
