A year ago yesterday, the sports world was shocked by the sudden death of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna; the two were among the nine victims who were killed in a helicoptger crash in Calabasas.
Many players and fans paid tributes to the great NBA superstar by wearing his NO. 8 jersey at the start of a game, shouting a Kobe whenever a basket was made and wearing the colours yellow and purple which signified the colours of the lakers and by extension the impact that Kobe had on the team.
A memorial was held days after he incident, hosted by the Lakers at the Staples Center where Kobes wife Vnessa shared stories about Gianna and Kobe in the presence of thousands.
The sports world and many other friends, family, fans and loved ones shared tribute messages and pictures on social media to remember and honour the great Kobe bryant and the highly talented Gianna Bryant. Here are a few:
“I miss you, hermano… not a day goes by that you are not present in what I do,”
“Your spirit, your drive, your ambition, your love… continue to shine in my life and in many others. … I hope you and Gigi are smiling down seeing how strong, sweet and amazing your girls are.”- Bryant’s former Lakers team-mate Pau wrote
Kobe will always be my @Lakers brother for life. 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/7WC9x6h4Dl – Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson wrote as he simply posted a picture of himself in Lakers uniform alongside Bryant
We all miss you Kobe pic.twitter.com/JId1kict8K – Ice Cube
One name. One icon. One legacy. Kobe. pic.twitter.com/6nKL7ng74m – ESPN
Family is Forever was the tribute the Los Angeles Lakers gave to Kobe and Gigi, sharing a picture of Kobe planting a kiss on Gianna’s head as she smiled her beautiful smile.
In a post on Instagram, Bryant’s widow Vanessa posted a letter she had received from one of her daughter’s best friends which read in part: “You have probably heard this, but if I ever become a mom, I hope my daughter turns out exactly as yours did.”
Vanessa Bryant added in the post: “I miss my baby girl and Kob-Kob so much, too. I will never understand why/how this tragedy could’ve happened to such beautiful, kind and amazing human beings. It still doesn’t seem real.”
Amidst all the love and remembrance posts going out for Kobe and Gigi Bryant, people on social media took time to also mention and show love to the other seven people who died as a result of the crash aswell;
John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Ara Zobayan, Christina Mause were all remembered for who they were before they passed.
The National Transportation Safety Board meanwhile is due to announce the results of its investigation into the deadly crash on February 9.
