It still doesn’t seem real.
Its been less than 48 hours since the world lost 9 lives on the hills of Calabasas:
Kobe Bryant. Not only an NBA legend, but a man destined to do things in his retirement that would match (maybe exceed) the success of his basketball career.
Gianna Bryant. His 13-year-old daughter who was on track to carry on her father’s basketball legacy.
Christina Mauser. A wife, mother of three, and girls’ basketball coach.
John Altobelli. A beloved college baseball coach. His wife Keri Altobelli and daughter Alyssa Altobelli.
Payton Chester, an eight grader, and her mother Sarah Chester.
Ara Zobayan. The pilot who was certified to fly commercial helicopters and had no record of accidents, incidents or enforcement actions with the FAA.
Family, friends, and fans from all over the world took to social media to express their condolences for all those involved.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/P88GwIwmYV
— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2020
John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, and Ara Zobayan may you all rest in peace.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 27, 2020
That one was for you…
Rest Easy Kobe🐍 pic.twitter.com/mXW86TKXsP
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 27, 2020
We are heartbroken by the passing of legendary baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa in Sunday’s tragedy.
Our thoughts are with the Altobelli family. pic.twitter.com/raJVGd7Bod
— MLB (@MLB) January 27, 2020
Just spoke with Mets star Jeff McNeil, who played for John Altobelli, one of the victims of the Calabasas helicopter crash, who managed Brewster in the Cape Cod League in 2012.
Said McNeil: “He’s one of the main reasons I’m still playing professional baseball.”
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 26, 2020
What a long dark and difficult day in LA💔…
Rest In Peace to all of the souls lost this morning:
Kobe and Gianna Bryant
Sarah and Payton Chester
Alyssa, Keri, and John Altobelli
Christina MauserGod Bless them and their families and loved ones. 🙏🏽😞💔 pic.twitter.com/IV0nzzDirh
— Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) January 27, 2020
Ara Zobayan (Helicopter Pilot), Sarah Chester and her 13 year old daughter Payton Chester passed away with Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant. Every life on that helicopter mattered! Let’s keep all the familes affected in prayer! pic.twitter.com/QWkAWish4r
— Brunell Donald-Kyei (@brunelldonald) January 27, 2020
Rest In Peace Kobe and Giana Bryant. Los Angeles is hurt right now. 💔 pic.twitter.com/7A2t7JpVQ0
— Christopher Balladarez (@ChrisBalladarez) January 27, 2020
The Toronto sign is purple and gold today in memory of one of the greatest players to ever step on the court. Toronto joins the basketball community at large in mourning the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. pic.twitter.com/uSuQXziibe
— John Tory (@JohnTory) January 27, 2020
Gianna and Kobe being painted in a basketball court in the Philippines pic.twitter.com/oHYNFEzth9
— MyBookie NBA (@MyBookieNBA) January 27, 2020
Charles Barkley honors Kobe, Gigi, and all the families and friends of those killed in Sunday’s crash. pic.twitter.com/hOSoIs3B1Z
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 27, 2020
“No hero is perfect, and no villain is completely void of heroic intentions. We all live as both. What sets the great ones apart is how they use their inner villain to create something epic. It’s living as a HeroVillain. The HeroVillain channels fear, rejection, anger and doubt and turns them into strength, courage, power, and determination.”
– Kobe Bryant