The sudden death of Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles has sent shockwaves throughout the sports world, the secluded hockey arena included. The former Los Angeles Lakers star dies alongside his daughter Gianna and nine other occupants of the ill-fated helicopter.
Soon after the news broke out, personalities in the hockey world came out to condole with the family and friends and to send glowing tributes of the basketball great. The messages came in an unprecedented manner. Not even veteran sports betting sites such as bet-dc.com could have drawn the right events with the correct odds of such outpouring of emotions ever happening.
The Tweets
NHL executives, alumni, and players took to Twitter upon the outbreak of the news. The NHL tweeted a heartwarming message of condolence to the family of Kobe and to the families of the other occupants of the helicopter. They capped the message by embedding a video that captured Kobe and his wife Vanessa attending a game between Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals.
Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals captain and winger on his part said that Kobe’s death is devastating adding that it is the last thing anyone wants to hear that someone was in a helicopter crash and passed away. Alex said it is tough especially because he knew Kobe on a personal level and because the five-time NBA champion treated him and everyone else well.
Anže Kopitar, the captain of the Los Angeles Kings tweeted a short message that read, “Rest in Peace legend!” He added that his thoughts and prayers are with the family of Kobe.
Buffalo Sabres right winger Kyle Okposo eulogized the two-time Olympic gold medalist calling him a cultural titan. In his emotional tribute, Kyle tweeted that he is saddened and shocked by the news of the star’s passing. Other hockey personalities that tweeted messages of condolences include Pernell-Karl “P. K.” Subban who plays for the New Jersey Devils as a defenseman, Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri, and the New York Rangers forward Ryan Strome, to name just a few.
Tributes from Other Sportsmen and Women
The WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released a statement that extolled the passion Kobe had in encouraging young girls to follow their dreams. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach referred to the basketball legend as “an outstanding and true Olympic champion.” In his condolence message, Bach added that Kobe believed in the power of sports and its ability to change people’s lives.
Kobe died in a helicopter crash on Sunday, January 26, 2020 while on the way to attend his 13-year-old daughter’s game. He was the NBA’s fourth all-time leading scorer.