The award-winning actress, Catherine Zeta-Jones, has some personal experience with the now-deceased Kobe Bryant, who was tragically killed in a helicopter crash Sunday, alongside his daughter, Gianna, as they were traveling to a basketball camp game. For years, Zeta-Jones and Bryant were next-door neighbors and got to know each other, very well, making the news of the unfortunate accident ever more heartbreaking for the actress. In an emotional post on social media, Zeta-Jones shared her experience with knowing Kobe and his family personally.
Zeta-Jones began her Instagram post by sharing how the two were very young and ambitious individuals at the time that they were next-door neighbors. “RIP Kobe,” Zeta-Jones began in her post. “4 years ago, ironically, Kobe was my next door neighbor in Pacific Palisades in LA. Both young and ambitious.”
The actress then shared how the two originally met, despite being neighbors, and how she watched him practice on his personal basketball court. “We met the day he moved in through his dog, that started to, and continued to wander in to my garden. His basketball court was my view. I watched his talent and dedication, yet how could I have known that he was to become what he became,” she continued.
Being a mother, herself, Zeta-Jones was heartbroken by the loss of Bryant and how his family would have to cope with losing a father, husband, daughter, and sister. “Tragic news today,” she continued. “Being a Daddy today took his life and that of his precious daughter. An unimaginable loss to all. Love to the families. [24 for Kobe].”
The post by Zeta-Jones quickly became a hotbed for fans alike to mourn the death of the NBA legend, with many taking the time to pay their respects to the man that Bryant ultimately was.
One fan commented on Zeta-Jones Instagram post, “What a bittersweet memory, how wonderful that you have something to hold on to,” while another user responded to the actress’ post. “Tragic time for his family and friends. He was also very wise, and we can remember him by living out his teachings so his legacy lives on. Thank you for sharing your memory. RIP.”
Yet another user on Instagram commented on the loss of Kobe to the world, “RIP Kobe Gianna. Legend never-ending,” wrote one fan. “Sad sad day to all basketball fans in the world. Thank you Kobe.”
Kobe's death has caused a massive surge in Twitter traffic. Currently there are over 250 tweets per second related to Kobe. This is the highest amount of traffic I've seen on Twitter for an event. Still collecting data. (incomplete data)#KobeBryant #KobeRIP pic.twitter.com/oA15hdh9LY
— JSON Baumgartner (@jasonbaumgartne) January 27, 2020
With the tragic loss of one of the best basketball players the world has ever known, people have been pouring into social media to share their thoughts and offer condolences.
Bryant was traveling with his daughter to a basketball game at the Mamba basketball facility when the helicopter they were in began to sputter, ultimately crashing into the side of a mountain. Along with the death of Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, 13, it is reported that the pilot and six other passengers were killed. Bryant is survived by his wife, Vanessa, and their three remaining children.
A report out of TMZ claims that Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash.
The LA County Sheriffs verified Twitter account has confirmed a fatal helicopter crash but not named the deceased.
I can’t believe this #KobeBryant
— Benny Bonsu (@MsBennyBonsu) January 26, 2020
