Kobe Bryant's tragic death five years on: How America reacted to fatal helicopter crash that killed NBA icon and daughter
Kobe Bryant's tragic death five years on: How America reacted to fatal helicopter crash that killed NBA icon and daughter
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As news of Kobe Bryant's death disseminated on this day five years ago, the sports world went from denial, to disbelief, to shock, and eventually acceptance. One of the greatest hoopers of all time was gone in a flash. Bryant received his flowers for his on-court accomplishments and influence before his death, as recently as his final night on this planet.
![[On board the helicopter was Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna and seven others]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/26/02/94521161-14326051-image-a-50_1737858065229.jpg)
On January 25, 2020, LeBron James passed Bryant for the No 3 spot on the NBA's all-time scoring list. James bestowed love upon Bryant after the game with 'Black Mamba' returning the favor. A day later, Bryant was among nine killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna also among the victims.
![[Tributes from every part of the sports world honored the Bryant duo with many in shock]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/26/02/94521155-14326051-image-a-51_1737858068007.jpg)
Bryant was 41, less than four years earlier retiring from the NBA after spending his entire career with the Lakers. Five years since Bryant's passing, and his legacy lives on, knowing the basketball world would never be the same without him getting to see how his contributions would prosper.
![[A statue of Bryant was later erected at Crypto.com Arena, where Bryant played home games]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/26/02/94521135-14326051-image-a-52_1737858072510.jpg)
Kobe Bryant passed away five years ago Sunday in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. On board the helicopter was Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna and seven others. Tributes from every part of the sports world honored the Bryant duo with many in shock.
![[Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's wife and Gianna's mother, spoke at his memorial service in 2020]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/26/02/94521153-14326051-image-a-53_1737858075327.jpg)
It was at 2:24 Eastern time that the first report of Bryant's death was made public. The outlet that reported the news was later scolded by local police for outpacing them to notify all of the victim's families. Yet, the news was unfortunately confirmed shortly thereafter. Calls for the NBA to postpone their games were immediate and unsuccessful.
![[Bryant was known for his partnership with Shaquille O'Neal during their time in Los Angeles]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/26/02/94521133-14326051-image-a-54_1737858078729.jpg)
