A Filipino Basketball Hero, Kobe Bryant, dies in a helicopter crash

Los Angeles Lakers superstar, Kobe Bryant, was traveling with eight people, including the pilot, in his private helicopter when it crashed Sunday morning. The crash left no survivors. A dozen sources have confirmed Bryant’s death.

Courtesy of CNN

Among killed was Bryant’s daughter, Gianna Maria Onore a.k.a. GiGi. TMZ confirmed they were on their way for basketball practice at the Mamba Academy.

The crash is still under investigation.

Kobe Bryant was indeed a basketball icon for Filipinos. He was a good role model and has served as an inspiration to all aspiring Filipino basketball players.

Thousands of fans in the Philippines are mourning for his death. They started sharing all their unique ways to give tribute to their idol. From malls to local communities, Bryant and his daughter GiGi was honoured.

During his previous visits in the Philippines, Bryant always gave time to his fans and he’s been amazed of how passionate Filipinos are when it comes to the sport that he loves.

His last visit to the Philippines was in 2016, for his Mamba Mentality Tour courtesy of Nike. There, he talked about his admiration for Filipinos and Manila where he had always received a warm welcome.

He was able to share his experiences as a basketball legend who played for 20 seasons in the Los Angels Lakers. Bryant shared his thanks to all his Filipino fans, young and old, professional and aspiring, basketball players.

This tragic accident will definitely affect the Filipino basketball community, all his fans, players or not, and of course the whole NBA.

His last words for his Filipino fans in the Big Dome?

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I retired professionally as a basketball player but I have not retired coming to Manila. I love you and I will see you soon”.

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