Basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine people who died in a tragic helicopter crash near Los Angeles on Sunday morning. Many have shared their thoughts on the horrible news, and now “Dog the Bounty Hunter” star Lyssa Chapman is weighing in.
Lyssa, who lives in Hawaii, shared a photo of a heart in the sand with Kobe’s name in the middle. “Deepest condolences to this family for such a tragic loss. #KobeBryant #RIPMAMBA,” she wrote.
She was also one of over 600,000 people to retweet President Barack Obama’s message about Bryant’s passing.
“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,” he wrote.
Lyssa’s dad, Duane Chapman, also shared a tribute to Bryant by posting a photo of the basketball star on Instagram alongside the caption, “Our prayers and thoughts go out to all the victims, their families and loved ones of those who perished today in the crash.”
The outpouring of support following the news has been overwhelming. Michael Jordan shared his thoughts by releasing a statement on Sunday.
“I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe – he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much,” he wrote.
“He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply – and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball. Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world.”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neil also tweeted out his sorrow, having known and played with Bryant for years.
“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.
“Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me’Arah.”
