The tragic death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and nine other passengers in a helicopter crash on Sunday has evoked emotional tributes from social media users.

Publicly available flight records revealed that the ill-fated helicopter took off on Sunday morning (American time) from John Wayne Airport in California. The crash occurred a few hours later amid foggy conditions in the hills over Calabasas.

Bryant, who won five NBA championships during his playing career, is considered one of the best players in basketball’s history. He spent his entire career playing for the LA Lakers and was now living the life of retirement.

Tributes have been pouring in from celebrities from the entertainment, sports and other industries.

Many of the stars who have reacted to the death of the legendary sportsman are expressing shock at his sudden demise.

Nigerian singer Davido, M.I Abaga, Yemi Alade are some of the Nigerian stars who have paid tribute to Kobe.

In the footballing world the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Virgil Van Dijk, Thierry Henry, Pirlo among other have paid their tributes to the Basketball legend.

 

See the reactions:

 

Davido:

 

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No be so … heartbreaking ?

A post shared by Davido Adeleke (@davidoofficial) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:08pm PST

 

M.I Abaga

 

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I wasn’t a Kobe fan most of my life.. infact I hated how he played and rooted for every team they went against until one finals series against the Celtics. I remember watching him play in the third quarter.. with the Celtic fans cheering wildly and all the energy in the room against him.. he quietly put up 19 points. Just focused, determined sheer will. Ignoring all the noise!! Pure unadulterated tangible greatness.. I became a fan that night.. his life will always stand as a monument to greatness and excellence that are rooted in hard work and an unbending will to dominate!!! Rest In Greatness Kobe!!! Forever now a fan!!!! ????????

A post shared by mi_abaga (@mi_abaga) on Jan 27, 2020 at 12:51am PST

Thierry Henry

Literally devastated to hear the news about @kobebryant, his daughter Gianna and all those on board the helicopter crash. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and also of the other victims. #RIP #INSPIRATION #LEGEND pic.twitter.com/6ZW3VrDqzn

— Thierry Henry (@ThierryHenry) January 26, 2020

Cristiano ROnaldo:

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? pic.twitter.com/qKb3oiDHxH

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) January 26, 2020

 

Andrea Pirlo:

You’ve been an example for our generation R.I.P. Legend pic.twitter.com/m8Keded2Zs

— Andrea Pirlo (@Pirlo_official) January 26, 2020

 

Van Dijk:

Speechless, heartbreaking! Our thoughts are with the Bryant Family in these horrible times. #MambaForever #Gigi ?? https://t.co/3cr8hFCMNa

— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) January 26, 2020

Lionel Messi:

 

 

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No tengo palabras… Todo mi cariño para la familia y amigos de Kobe. Fue un placer conocerle y compartir buenos momentos juntos. Se nos fue un genio como pocos.

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on Jan 26, 2020 at 2:40pm PST

 

Neymar Jr:

Dia triste pra nós dos esporte, pra nós fãs e principalmente pra família e amigos de kobe. Com suas mãos se fez lenda, obrigado por exaltar o esporte Kobe… que Deus conforte o coração de sua família e amigos ??? #ripkobebryant #24 pic.twitter.com/QPjIy7Fhou

— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) January 26, 2020

Paul Pogba:

Heroes come and go
Legends are for ever ❤
R.i.P. Kobe and his daughter Gianna and all the victims my prayers to the families #blackmambaforever https://t.co/JSoN1g9yea

— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) January 26, 2020

 

Kevin De Bruyne:

 

What example this man has set for fellow professionals. How to dedicate to your sport,family and life. RIP pic.twitter.com/3sX5jjShb7

— Kevin De Bruyne (@DeBruyneKev) January 27, 2020