When the news broke Sunday afternoon that Kobe Bryant had died in a helicopter crash, millions were in disbelief. Later in the day, news outlets reported that his thirteen-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other people had also died in the tragic crash just north of Los Angeles in Calabasses. Most people faced an initial reaction of denial, beliving the TMZ story to be a hoax; but then more stories were published and LA County’s emergency responders confirmed the world’s nightmare. How could someone so legendary and seemingly untouchable die so unexpectedly?
News Editor Griffin Morrill thought that “Although Kobe was known for his basketball skills, work ethic, and fatherhood to his four daughters, what I admired most about Kobe was how he grew as a person throughout his basketball career and into the remainder of his personal and public life.”
We never expect our heroes to die. It seems right, the people who you hold in highest regard will never leave or fade from memory. That is what makes deaths like Kobe’s so hard to process. He seemed so omnipotent, God-like, and unfazed by the threats of being human. It is hard to remember that after all, he was just a human. A man loved by so many left far too soon. As odd as it feels, part of us now seems to be missing.
Kensey Arlt said, “I still haven’t fully processed it. It’s weird to think he’s not here anymore. And it breaks my heart but tragically comforts it that he was with Gigi in their final moments. It makes me appreciate my dad and the people I love even more than I do.”
“Kobe is the Michael Jordan of our generation. He was an assassin on the court who took no mercy on his opponents and wanted nothing more than to crush his competition,” said Liam Meyer of the basketball legend’s career.
Kobe was so much more than a basketball icon. He was known for his ability to love everyone without limit and give is all to bettering the lives of others. He would want us all to carry on that legacy and live with love and peace in our hearts.
Rest in Peace: Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah and Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, and Ara Zobayan.
“You have to keep moving. You have to keep going. Put one foot in front of the other, smile and just keep on rolling.” - Kobe Bryant, 1978-2020
CJ Bonifer - Photography Manager