Football star players pay tribute to Kobe Bryant after he dies in helicopter crash

Photo credit: vox

We have the latest happening in the football news in Malaysia and its related soccer issues, activities, press releases etc. and aiming to keep you always updated every day. Players and clubs showed their sadness after the death of the 41-year-old NBA legend Kobe Bryant and four other people died within the helicopter crash on Sunday morning. The entire world has been shocked by the breaking news that the basketball legend Kobe Bryant died in a crash at the age of 41. At 4:30 PM, PT, the incident happened when the former LA Lakers star was flying over California and it was extremely foggy Sunday morning. According to TMZ the flight tracker data shows Bryant’s helicopter seemed to first encounter weather problems as it was above the L.A. Zoo. The chopper circled that location at least six times at a very low altitude, that was around 875 feet.

Due to the early problems the pilot contacted the control tower at Burbank Airport around 9:30 AM PT, and the tower was informed that the pilot had been circling for about 15 minutes. At around 9:40 AM the passengers experienced more weather problems, there was a seriously heavy fog and the helicopter turned south. The situation was critical, because they turned away towards the mountainous location. The pilot immediately and quickly climbed from 1,200 feet up to 2,000 feet. However, afterwards, at around 9:45 AM, they were flying away into a mountain at 1,700 feet and flight tracker data shows that they were flying at about 161 knots.

According to the report, a fire started and his is the reason why the helicopter moves in spiral and crash. There are no survivors with all the five passengers aboard dying in the disastrous accident, including Kobe Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.

Kobe was also a huge football fan. The basketball legend popularly supported AC Milan while also involved in making commercials with football stars like Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho. The passing of the NBA icon has left the sporting world in grieving, with many footballers and teams expressing their sadness:

Lionel Messi’s tweet post:

“No tengo palabras… Todo mi carino para la familia y amigos de Kobe. Fue un placer conocerle y compatir Buenos juntos. Se nos fue un genio como pocos.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s tweet post:

“So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend.”

Neymar Jr. second goal was a beautiful tribute to Kobe Bryant, after converting signaling his two hands for the number 24 and closing it then pointing to the sky.

Paul Pogba’s tweet post:

“Heroes come and go, Legends are forever, RIP Kobe and his daughter Gianna and all the victims my prayers to the families #blackmambaforever.”

Manchester City tweet post:

“Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Kobe Bryant. He was a true sporting icon and transcended the sports of basketball/ Our thoughts are with Kobe Bryant’s friends, family and the entire Lakers organization during this tragic time.”

Maradona’s tweet post:

“Se van todos los Buenos. Lament tambien el fallecimiento de su hija y de los tripulantes del helicopter. Hasta la vista, leyenda.”

Luis Suarez:

“Rest in peace KOBE BRYANT and all the victims who have passed away in that tragic accident and give all my condolences to family and friends.”

Romelu Lukaku’s Instagram post:

“My biggest sports idol is this man right here. Your work ethic and mentality inspired me so much from as soon I understood what it took to become a pro. You were enjoying your new chapter in your life and to leave us just like that is devastation.. I love you so much! You the goat.”

AC Milan’s tweet post:

“We have no words to express how shocked we are to hear of the tragic passing of one of the greatest sportsmen of all time and Rossonero fan, Kobe Bryant. All our thoughts are with the families of those affected by this tragic accident. You will forever be missed, Kobe.”