Kobe Bryant dies at 41

By Fernando Alfonso III, Amir Vera and Aimee Lewis, CNN

Updated 0822 GMT (1622 HKT) January 28, 2020
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12:31 a.m. ET, January 27, 2020

Atlanta sports landmarks honor Kobe Bryant

From CNN's Joe Ruiz

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium and The College Football Hall of Fame both shined purple and gold lights Sunday night in honor of Kobe Bryant.

12:23 a.m. ET, January 27, 2020

NBA teams react to Kobe Bryant's death

Kobe Bryant poses with NBA Commissioner David Stern after being selected in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets.
Kobe Bryant poses with NBA Commissioner David Stern after being selected in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images

As news of Kobe Bryant's death spread, teams across the NBA issued statements honoring his legacy:

The Philadelphia 76ers called him an "icon."

"Bryant’s journey to icon status in the world of basketball included deep ties to the Philadelphia region, where he starred at Lower Merion High School from 1992-96. As he honed his craft in Philadelphia, Bryant established a reputation as a player with once-in-a-lifetime poise, grit, heart and an unwavering love of the game," The 76ers said in a series of tweets.

The Charlotte Hornets also released a statement. Bryant was originally drafted in 1996 by Charlotte before being traded to the Lakers.

“Kobe’s toughness on the basketball court was second to none. He played through injuries and sickness, oftentimes defying doctors’ and ownership’s recommendations to not play, in an effort to never miss a game. Kobe was a once-in-a-generation player who will forever be remembered for his competitive nature and his will to win. They threw away the mold when Kobe Bryant was born. There will never be another like him," said General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

The Boston Celtics also released a statement. The Lakers and the Celtics have a storied rivalry.

"There are no words that can convey the heartbreak the entire Celtics organization feels in the wake of the terrible loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. Kobe was one of the greatest talents and competitors to ever play basketball, and his love of the sport inspired countless fans and players around the world. Our fans were fortunate to watch him as he contributed many memorable chapters to the Celtics-Lakers rivalry, which he treasured. We extend our deepest condolences to Kobe’s family, fans, and the entire Lakers organization, as well as all of the victims and families affected by this horrible tragedy."
3:11 a.m. ET, January 27, 2020

LA Sheriff says investigation is "logistical nightmare" because of the terrain

Sheriff Alex Villanueva
Sheriff Alex Villanueva KABC

In a news conference Sunday night, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the investigation into the helicopter crash that left nine people dead may take weeks.

Federal agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration, are assisting with the investigation. The FAA has secured a 5-mile flight restriction and a 5,000 foot ceiling on the site, Villanueva said.

The crash site is also near a residential community, Villanueva said.

“It’s a logistical nightmare because the crash site itself is not easy access,” Villanueva said.

He advised well-wishers and mourners not to go to the crash site.

Dr. Jonathan Lucas, Los Angeles County Coroner, said multiple members of the office's operation response team were at the crash site.

The effort to recover the victims' bodies has also begun but could take a couple of days, Los Angeles County Chief Medical Examiner Jonathan Lucas said, "given the terrain and the condition of the site."

“Our next priority after recovery is identification and notification of the families,” Lucas said.

11:00 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

Derek Jeter pens tribute to Kobe Bryant in The Players' Tribune

Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter

Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter honored Kobe Bryant in an article for The Players' Tribune.

Jeter wrote the most meaningful conversations he and Bryant had weren't about sports, they were about family.

"He cared much more about being a husband to Vanessa and a dad to his girls. He loved his family — he was his family," Jeter wrote.

Jeter also wrote that while Bryant had big moments on the court, some of the happiest times of his life were just talking with his daughter.

"Kobe just loved being a dad."

10:52 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

FBI investigating helicopter crash

From CNN’s Josh Campbell and Sarah Moon

The FBI is responding to the helicopter crash scene in Calabasas, California, a law enforcement source tells CNN.

Assets from the FBI’s evidence response team in Los Angeles are on site at the crash assisting local authorities in processing the scene, the source said.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the cause of the fatal crash.

10:17 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

LAPD says weather conditions didn't meet standards for flying

From CNN's Sarah Moon

Weather conditions on Sunday morning did not meet the Los Angeles Police Department’s minimum standards for flying, spokesman Josh Rubenstein confirmed to CNN.

Due to foggy conditions, LAPD had grounded their helicopters in the morning.

“This morning we did not fly because of that [weather],” said Rubenstein.

 

9:53 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

Dwyane Wade shares emotional Instagram story on Kobe Bryant

From CNN's Kevin Dotson

Kobe Bryant drives against Dwyane Wade during the 2012 NBA All-Star Game.
Kobe Bryant drives against Dwyane Wade during the 2012 NBA All-Star Game.

In a series of videos on Instagram, Dwyane Wade spoke about Kobe Bryant.

"It seems like a bad dream you just wanna wake up from. It's a nightmare," Wade said through tears. "It's a sad day, there's no way around it."

"My family and I have been sharing Kobe stories. HE has so many moments he's given us. I'm thankful for those moments. He was one of my favorite players ... I'm gonna miss the friendship."

"When I came in the league I chased him. That's who I chased."

Kobe, thank you man. Thank you for all the memories."
9:51 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

LAX pylons lit purple and gold in honor of Kobe Bryant

KCAL/KCBS
KCAL/KCBS

The pylons at Los Angeles International Airport glowed in the Lakers' colors of purple and gold Sunday night in honor of Kobe Bryant.

9:39 p.m. ET, January 26, 2020

Kobe Bryant's legacy is being felt as far away as Japan

From CNN's Emiko Jozuka

Kobe Bryant's legacy and impact were felt as far as Japan, where he was the face of an American Red Cross campaign in 2011 to raise support for survivors of the tsunami and earthquake that rocked Tohoku.

That tragedy left more than 22,000 people dead or missing.  

"The NBA family starts with the people of Japan, the survivors of the earthquake and the Pacific tsunami," said Bryant, in a Red Cross campaign video now being shared widely on Twitter.

Also tying Bryant to Japan is his name.

Bryant's parents reportedly named him after the famous beef that is produced in Japan's Kobe city.

In 1998, Bryant visited Kobe city and handed a donation of 480,000 yen ($4,400) raised through an Adidas charity event in Tokyo to help support social welfare in the city.

Bryant also became the ambassador of Kobe city between 2001 and 2011.