As the news of Kobe Bryant’s death spread around the world on January 26, the social-networking site Twitter came to a virtual standstill, flooded with visitors tweeting the news. Within moments of the first breaking news reports — indicating that Kobe Bryant, 41, and his daughter 13-year-old daughter Gianna have reportedly died in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning in California. — both #KobeBryant and #RIPMamba emerged as two of the network’s highest-rated “trending topics.”
In the hour following confirmation of his death, celebrities rushed to make their grief and condolences public:
My 818 buddies and I all sick over Kobe.
— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) January 26, 2020
“Days are not promised,” said Jason. And he’s right. Grateful to be alive.
Warmth and comfort to all with lost loved ones…
💛💜
R.I.P. Kobe Bryant this is so sad I can’t believe it
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) January 26, 2020
My heart goes out to @kobebryant's family #RIP pic.twitter.com/cSl7aUz0Ov
— Danny Trejo (@officialDannyT) January 26, 2020
I was holding out hoping that it wasn’t true ! Lord his daughter too. #kobebryant #giannabryant https://t.co/Nuncyzq5mo
— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) January 26, 2020
Devastated!!!! 💔. May Gods spirit be with his family and all the the families of all the souls lost in this terrible tragedy.. #kobebryant 🙏🏾 https://t.co/VHKMaivMkN
— CedricTheEntertainer (@CedEntertainer) January 26, 2020
I’m devastated. Right down the street. My heart goes out to the family and all of us. #legend #KobeBryant https://t.co/DQNLnTTx4q
— Melissa Etheridge (@metheridge) January 26, 2020
Oh my god 💔💔💔 … I cant believe it… 🙏🏽 this is so devastating.
— Jessica Alba (@jessicaalba) January 26, 2020
This can’t be real 💔💔💔💔 there’s no way!!! My heart hurts
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) January 26, 2020
at loss for words right now. praying for this beautiful family. pic.twitter.com/tjKUYXCUgb
— Kylie Jenner (@KylieJenner) January 26, 2020
The world lost a giant today
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 26, 2020
Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. Also praying for the other passengers that we lost and their families.
Being a fan of yours brought so much joy to my life, like so many. Love forever. Sending strength and my deepest condolences to the sweet Bryant family. Can’t believe it 💔 https://t.co/Z7O7oE04oc
— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) January 26, 2020
RIP KOBE , SO SAD , SUCH A SAD DAY N SAD NEWS , WE LOVE U
— LORD FLACKO JODYE II (@asvpxrocky) January 26, 2020
Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant .💔An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well.
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) January 26, 2020
There are no real words to convey the depth of my sadness. Love and strength to Kobe’s entire family and to the families of all who were lost in today’s crash. pic.twitter.com/HvL2m9NXJU
— Halle Berry (@halleberry) January 26, 2020
Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) 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
My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can’t fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) 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 cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god.
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 26, 2020
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. pic.twitter.com/U3osyw6Pzu
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) January 27, 2020
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 Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) January 27, 2020
Kobe, We love you brother
— ye (@kanyewest) January 26, 2020
We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave pic.twitter.com/pxbgLOOmpY
There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
A true gladiator in our life time. You will be forever embedded in our memories, our childrens memories, and generations to come. @kobebryant
— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) January 26, 2020
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Love is forever. pic.twitter.com/AtPuLwqtKf
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) January 26, 2020
