Legendary basketball star Kobe Bryant died Sunday morning due to a helicopter crash, along with his 13 year old daughter.
Kobe Bryant passed away in a tragic helicopter accident Sunday morning on his way when his plane went down in Calabassas. All five of the passengers passed away in the accident. The crash occurred while Kobe and his daughter, Gianna 13, were on their way to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks where Gianna was expected to play in a game which Kobe was set to coach. The true cause of the is still under investigation but, it was an unusually foggy evening and morning so the conditions were likely not great. Kobe leaves behind his wife Vanessa and three daughters, Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and 7-month-old Capri.
Growing up as the only one of my siblings who enjoyed watching basketball, my dad and I spent countless hours in front of the TV watching Kobe Bryant work his magic. Some of my best basketball related memories come from watching Kobe play. It has taken me quite a few hours after I found out for the news to actually sink in, and now that it has I am truly heartbroken. I was heartbroken when I found out he passed, but to later find out his daughter also died really dug the knife in further. It just goes to show that life is too short and we should all strive to live the happiest, most fulfilling life possible, whatever that means for you. Kobe spent 20 years of his life not only doing what he loved but also entertaining the world and inspiring the masses. He will forever be missed.
I found out about the news while at a basketball practice for children with special needs. It is always a special experience watching them learn to dribble or properly shoot a basket, but today it felt different. All the coaches felt a little lost, but the athletes continued to play the sport Kobe loved so much. As we continued on with the practice, I began to think, there was no better way to honor the greatest than to carry out his legacy and live a life of discipline, determination, passion and with an immense love for what you do. It is a lesson my athletes also teach me on a daily basis and I feel Kobe Bryant would have been proud of the work they constantly put in.