Virender Sehwag, Shane Warne Lead Tributes For Kobe Bryant After NBA Legend Tragically Dies

Cricket legends Virender Sehwag, Shane Warne led the tributes after it was confirmed that basketball legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday. Kobe Bryant and one of his daughters were among nine people who were killed in the crash after the helicopter crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California.

Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria Onore Bryant had been expected at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks for a basketball game scheduled for Sunday. Gianna was expected to play in the game and Bryant was expected to coach, according to media reports.

The crash killed all nine people aboard, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said. The reports claimed that there was extremely low visibility at the time of the crash and conditions were foggy and cloudy with a drizzle.

It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Kobe Bryant and four others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas. The aircraft went down in a remote field off Las Virgenes around 10:00 this morning. Nobody on the ground was hurt. The FAA and NTSB are investigating.

— City of Calabasas (@CityofCalabasas) January 26, 2020

The legendary player leaves behind his wife, Vanessa, and three daughters. His oldest daughter turned 17 a week ago; his youngest daughter is 7 months old. Kobe Bryant is one of the most decorated players in the history of NBA. Kobe Bryant played his entire professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers and won five NBA championships. He has two Olympic gold medals for USA men’s basketball.
Bryant brought down curtains on his illustrious career in April 2016.

As soon as the tragic news was confirmed, people from across the globe started paying tributes to Kobe Bryant and others who passed away in the crash. Cricket fraternity also did not wait long to do its bit.

Here are some of the tributes from the cricketers:

“For many people, Kobe was basketball in their growing up years, many became NBA fans because of Kobe. May him and his young daughter, Gianna rest in peace #MambaForever,” wrote Virender Sehwag.

For many people, Kobe was basketball in their growing up years, many became NBA fans because of Kobe. May him and his young daughter, Gianna rest in peace #MambaForever pic.twitter.com/xoJp3vglk0

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 27, 2020

“Like everyone, I’m stunned, shocked and saddened to hear the horrific news about Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter who died in a helicopter crash. Thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this extremely sad time ! #RIPKobeBryant,” wrote Shane Warne.

Like everyone, I’m stunned, shocked and saddened to hear the horrific news about Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter who died in a helicopter crash. Thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this extremely sad time ! #RIPKobeBryant

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 26, 2020

“A very sad news to wake up Legend Kobe Bryant dies in California #RIPKobeByrant ??,” wrote Harbhajan Singh.

A very sad news to wake up Legend Kobe Bryant dies in California #RIPKobeByrant ??

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 27, 2020

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bryant Family and others involved in the tragedy. Kobe was an icon and an inspiration for many athletes. His unfortunate passing is a loss to world sports. #RIPMamba”

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bryant Family and others involved in the tragedy. Kobe was an icon and an inspiration for many athletes. His unfortunate passing is a loss to world sports. #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/4nbSBbhW46

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 27, 2020

Such sad news to wake up to. The sporting world has lost an absolute legend! The world has lost an incredible man. Makes you take a moment to think of your loved ones!! #KobeRIP #BlackMambalivesforever https://t.co/HQ6uzJz1nL

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) January 27, 2020

Kobe Bryant died???? One of greatest sportsmen of our time is no more. #RIPKobe

— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) January 27, 2020

Heroes come and go legends live forever. But this still hurts like hell. Very sad day. #RIPKobeBryant you inspired us all. God be with all the families who lost their love ones

— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) January 27, 2020

What a fickle thing life is #RIPKobe again a reminder to not take ourselves so so seriously as you never know which walks of yours is the last one, not to sound morbid but that's the ultimate reality..may his soul merge with light ??

— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) January 27, 2020

A true champion #Ripkobe so sad to hear the passing of Kobe #Lakers pic.twitter.com/XDjIJlDn7P

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) January 26, 2020

RIP @kobebryant and your lovely daughter Gianna!! Will always remember ur game on the court..thoughts are with the family ?? # basketball #legend https://t.co/eRu0Q5vbuz

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) January 27, 2020

pic.twitter.com/yLhkWhwqT9

— Roelof van der Merwe (@Roela52) January 26, 2020

Kobe Bryant …. ?

— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) January 26, 2020

Just seeing the news about @kobebryant is this really happening? Devastated if so what an icon in the basketball Community all over the world…sad times indeed prayers to his family & friends at this time ?

— Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) January 26, 2020