NBA and Lakers legend Kobe Bryant tragically passed away along with his daughter Gigi in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. Fans around the world are using the death anniversary to remember Kobe Bryant, also known as the Black Mamba, by celebrating his life, greatest performances and the impact he had on basketball globally.
NBA legend Kobe Bryant tragically died in a helicopter crash while on his way to a youth basketball tournament with his 13-year-old daughter Gigi and seven others Jan. 26, 2020. Exactly two years later, Bryant’s death still weighs heavily on those who knew him best and the fans who adored him.
On Wednesday, tributes from around the sports community poured in remembering the legacy of Bryant.
Family is Forever 🖤 pic.twitter.com/OkjOI6oplm
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 26, 2022
Sculptor Dan Medina has honored the anniversary of the deaths of Kobe and Gigi Bryant by placing a statue of the two at the site where they tragically passed away in 2020.
😢😢😢😢
— Elisa Thomases (@baseballelisa) January 26, 2022
Sculptor Dan Medina has honored the anniversary of the deaths of Kobe and Gigi Bryant by placing a statue of the two at the site where they tragically passed away in 2020. 🕊 https://t.co/3mec8fXKxw
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) January 26, 2022
My top 5 Kobe Bryant moments.
5. Game 2, 2001 NBA Finals
4. Smashing the Brooklyn Nets
3. Reclaiming the throne
2. The real birth of "Mamba Mentality"
1. Getting revenge on the Boston Celtics
— Ruslan Greenan (@RuslanGreenan37) January 26, 2022
Pulls at your heart strings for sure. My brother-in-law was in the same gym with him working out pre-NBA draft. Went undrafted, came home to Indianapolis, met & married my sister. Oh the stories we have heard. Thank you Jay Will!
— Niki Lynn – Leroy's Tavern (@NikiLynn6454) January 26, 2022
Across social media, many fans and friends of Kobe posted heartfelt tributes to commemorate his life, and the life of his daughter.
Singer Ciara posted a photo in a Kobe jersey, writing, “Forever & Always in our hearts Kobe & Gigi #2 #24 ❤️ Love you @VanessaBryant @NataliaBryant,” and tagging Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, and their oldest daughter, Natalia Bryant.
Following his death, Vanessa took up leadership of Granity Studios, her late husband’s multi-media company, and relaunched the charitable non-profit Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, dedicated to the father-daughter duo, which helps empower young girls and provide equal opportunities to underserved athletes.
Last May, Vanessa accepted Kobe’s posthumous Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame honor as part of the 2020 class.
“There will never be anyone like Kobe. Kobe was one of a kind. He was special, he was humble off the court but bigger than life,” she said in her 12-minute speech at the event.
“To all of our close friends and family that have been present for my girls and I, thank you,” she added. “That list is long and it takes a village but know that your kindness and love does not go unappreciated. I know that Kobe is thankful that you’re all coming through for his girls.”
Spike Lee also reminisced over Kobe Bryant during a visit to Toronto weeks after his death. WorldWide Entertainment TV was able to capture the event below.
