In Memoriam of Kobe Bryant: Basketball Legend, Father, Husband & Filmmaker
By Tess Farrand, Associate Content Editor
Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. He was 41 years old.
Bryant and others were en route to a basketball game for his daughter’s team.
There were no survivors.
Kobe Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter is among the nine killed in Sunday’s helicopter crash. Orange Coast College head baseball coach John Altobelli, along with his wife and daughter, were also killed. https://t.co/R0RP9iwDbl pic.twitter.com/q9lyoExYhq
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 27, 2020
The tragedy happened less than 30 miles from the Movieguide® headquarters.
The Lakers alum was more than just a basketball star. He was also a loving father, husband and filmmaker.
Bryant married Vanessa Laine in 2001. Together the pair had four daughters: Bianka, Gianna (who died with Bryant), Capri and Natalia.
View this post on Instagram
Happy Birthday B.B I Can’t believe you are 3 already! We love you little mamacita
In 2018, two years after his NBA retirement, Bryant won an Oscar as an executive producer for his short film DEAR BASKETBALL. Bryant founded Granity Studios in hopes to make movies that shine a light on sports in an inspirational light.
Bryant’s friends and admirers continue to mourn his tragic death.
The evening of his death, the GRAMMY Awards took place in the Staples Center where Bryant played for the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 years.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver, NBA commissioner said in a statement, “The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. … We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”
WATCH: DeVon Franklin Prays Over Kobe Bryant’s Family After Deadly Crash
The day before Bryant’s death, his former Laker teammate Lebron James passed his all-time scoring recording.
Bryant applauded James via Twitter.
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
Please join us in prayer for the families who lost their loved ones.
