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Cape Town – While the 2020 Grammy Awards took place on Sunday 26 January at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Lakers fans gathered outside the stadium to mourn the loss of basketball legend, Kobe Bryant.
The former NBA player died in a helicopter accident on Sunday, reports Sport24. Kobe's 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other passengers also died in the crash.
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Celebs at the Grammys before and during the show also said a few words about Kobe, while Shaquille O'Neil led tributes on social media.
"There's no words to express the pain I'm going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi & my brother," Shaq wrote on Twitter. In another tweet, he added, "Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me'Arah."
Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me’Arah. pic.twitter.com/BHBPN5Wq8V
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
Kim Kardashian wrote on Instagram, "My heart is so heavy. No one should ever experience what the families involved are going through. This has affected us all so much, but I cannot begin to imagine what Vanessa is feeling losing her husband and her baby girl. I cry just thinking about it. "I am praying for the Bryant family, the Altobelli family and the families of all who perished in this unthinkable tragedy. Rest In Peace Legend," Kim said.
SEE MORE TRIBUTES FOR KOBE HERE:
Heroes come and go LEGENDS live forever?? #8 #24 pic.twitter.com/sYMG8CKN5b
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 27, 2020
Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 26, 2020
I'm so sad and stunned right now. In Staples Arena, where Kobe created so many memories for all of us, preparing to pay tribute to another brilliant man we lost too soon, Nipsey Hussle. Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes. Hold on to your loved ones. We miss you, Kobe
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 26, 2020
I remember Kobe bringing his daughters to the WRINKLE IN TIME premiere and talking about its meaning for him as a father. He loved his girls so. LA weeps today, as do fans around the world. Goodbye, Kobe and Gianna. Our memories of you will live on and on. pic.twitter.com/rq2kEXPhOQ
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) January 26, 2020
Compiled by Bashiera Parker (Sources: Channel24, CNN, Sport24, Instagram, Twitter)
