Heartfelt Tributes Pour In for Kobe Bryant on His Death Anniversary

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been five years since the tragic death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant.

On Jan. 26, 2020, Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Bryant was only 41 years old; the news sent shockwaves through the sports world, with the NBA canceling games in the aftermath and tributes pouring in from players, coaches and fans alike.

Five years later the pain of the death of Bryant is still deeply felt. It’s a void that will never be filled.

Folks have been paying tribute to the Hall of Famer and the legend on the anniversary of his passing to day on social media.

“January 26th marks the heartbreaking loss of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, a day that forever impacts the world. Mamba & Mambacita forever,” tweeted Complex Sports.

“Today will be a tough one. It’s still hard for me to express how much Kobe Bryant meant to me growing up, he’s the sole reason I love sports period,” one fan said.

“Five years ago today we lost a legend. Kobe Bryant was the reason I fell in love with sports. His killer mindset was one of kind, mamba mentality baby. Each year since his passing I’m reminded just how incredibly short life is. Love your people while you still have them,” a second fan wrote.

“Crazy it’s been 5 years, RIP to my favorite player of all time Kobe Bean Bryant,” a third fan chimed in.

And to miss kobe bryant, my man”, another one commented.

Recently, the memory of Kobe and Gianna has been commemorated by a statue in front of the Los Angeles Lakers’ arena, and pop singer Taylor Swift has reached out to the family, having sent multiple touching gifts.

If Kobe were alive today, there’s a chance he might be on his way to Lincoln Financial Field right now. A Philadelphia boy and a devoted Eagles fan, he’d be pulling for his team to win against the Washington Commanders in the NFC title game.

We’d like to believe he still is, even if he’s no longer on Earth.