It was three years ago on Thursday that Kobe Bryant his daughter, Gianna, and seven others were killed in a tragic helicopter accident in the Southern California city of Calabasas.
As news of Black Mamba passing away broke, most of us felt like we were living a nightmare in real time. How could such a legendary and larger-than-life figure be taken from us at such a young age?
At 41 years old, Kobe was living the “girl dad” life. He and his daughter were on their way to a youth basketball game that Bryant was coaching. He was no longer the legend that brought five NBA titles to the Los Angeles Lakers. He was living that retired life, one that he focused on his daughters and loving wife, Vanessa.
January 26, 2020 was a typical Sunday for most sports fans. We were preparing for the NFL’s Pro Bowl. The Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets were slated to tip-off. The Australian Open was taking place overseas. In a week, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers would do battle in the Super Bowl.
For this one scribe, news of Kobe Bryant’s passing came trickling in on a day off. I was in line at a local grocery store waiting to get checked out. An alert came from social media with reports that Kobe and his daughter died in an accident. There weren’t many details outside of grainy reporting from trusted sources.
Then, it was picked up by larger sources and outlets. I turned to a loved one and told her that Kobe Bryant had died. Unfortunately, my voice was loud at the time. Others behind me in line heard what I had said. Some fell to their knees. Others started crying immediately.
Calling Las Vegas my hometown, it wasn’t lost on me that some who heard the news were Southern California natives. That’s when reality start to set in.
Kobe Bryant had died. His young daughter perished with him. Seven other souls in that of John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah and Payton Chester, Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan had also met their untimely demise.
What followed was a period of grieving around the sports world. The New York Knicks paid tribute to Kobe and his daughter ahead of their game against the Brooklyn Nets. Kyrie Irving decided to sit it out as he was mourning Kobe’s passing. Irving reflected on Bryant’s life three years following the Hall of Famer’s death.
The New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics started their game by each taking 24-second shot-clock violations in honor of Kobe’s jersey number. Other teams followed suit as the day progressed.
This mourning continued into the memorial for Kobe Bryant, his daughter and others who died on the tragic morning in Southern California. Dry eyes were not to be had inside Staples Center with Michael Jordan breaking down as the all-time great gave his euology.
A larger-than-life figure himself, Shaquille O’Neal’s vulnerabilities and emotions came out big time, too.
Weeks before the world was changed forever with the COVID-19 pandemic taking center stage, thousands were packed inside the famed Southern California arena to pay their respects to Kobe.
Three years later, and the shock of this moment has not worn off. It’s still surreal to realize that he’s no longer with us. A five-time champion. A complicated personality. Someone who raised people up off the court, only to be seen as nothing more than a “girl day” to his lovely family. Gone too soon.
Despite the world being a completely different place three years after Kobe’s passing, the impact that he had lives on. Those paying homage to Bryant, his daughter and the other souls who were lost showed that in a big way.
Sports world pays tribute to Kobe Bryant on anniversary of his death
Kyrie Irving talked about Kobe’s life three years after the legend passed away before paying homage to all of those who los their life in the accident.
“Kobe as a man was very inspirational, very loving, compassionate. Always had an open heart for those that want to follow his knowledge and wisdom. Always willing to pass on what he learned and I was just more than grateful we could have him as a mentor for as many years as I did.
Shoutout to Vanessa and all the girls, they are strong so I have to be strong as well and we just want to carry his legacy forward. Him as a spirit is eternal. He’s everywhere right now and Gigi’s everywhere. So I’m grateful I got to learn from him as a man.”
Kyrie Irving on Kobe Bryant three years after death