President Trump and former President Barack Obama were among the many sports fans who shared their reactions Sunday after NBA great Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in California.
Mr. Trump called it “terrible news.” Mr. Obama mourned the loss of Bryant’s “second act” in life after basketball.
Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among the people aboard a helicopter that crashed Sunday morning before 10 a.m. local time in Calabasas, 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
“To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents,” Mr. Obama wrote. “Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”
First lady Melania Trump added her condolences shortly after her husband, as well.
Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 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
Thoughts and prayers to the family of #Kobe Bryant and those who lost loved ones in today’s tragic crash. Rest In Peace.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) January 26, 2020
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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