Tributes pour in for Kobe Bryant

ZTN Sport

Tributes from celebrities and fellow sports stars have been pouring in, many expressing shock at the sudden death of Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, who died in a helicopter crash.

Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna, 13, were travelling in a private helicopter when it came down and burst into flames.

Shaquille O’Neal, who played alongside Bryant at the Lakers between 1996 and 2004, said there were “no words to express the pain I’m going through”.

Former basketball player Tony Parker said he was “heartbroken”.

Eight-time Olympic gold medallist sprinter Usain Bolt said he could not believe the news.

“The life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave” rapper Kanye West tweeted his appreciation.

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling wrote “rest easy legend” in a tweet accompanied by a black-and-white photo of the sports star.

Moments of silence have been observed at basketball games across the US, for the five-time NBA champion.

Fans gathered at a makeshift memorial for Bryant in front of the Staples Centre sports and entertainment arena in Los Angeles, laying flowers and basketballs in memory of the star.