On January 26, 2019, it was reported that notorious NBA star Kobe Bryant had died in a helicopter crash. There are differing reports on number of people confirmed dead, yet we know two of those are Kobe and one of his four daughters, 13-year-old Gianna. The crash is said to have occurred in Calabasas in the morning. Kobe is survived by his wife, Vanessa, and their three other daughters. The death of anyone, especially in a tragic accident, is heartbreaking. Someone as famous as Kobe Bryant has both sports fans and non-sports fans alike reflecting upon how precious life really is, and how precious and accomplished the life of Kobe Bryant was. Here are 10 things about the beloved star.
1. Bryant was the first guard ever drafted directly out of high school.
2. Bryant was the first player in NBA history to have at least 30,000 career points and 6,000 career assists
3. English, Italian, and Spanish are languages Bryant could speak.
4. The Nickelodeon show "All That" had appearances from Bryant.
5. In high school, Bryant was apart of a rap group that was consequentially signed by Sony Entertainment.
6. Bryant's first name was chosen by his parents after a famous beef from Kobe, Japan.
7. As a child, Bryant lived in Italy for some time.
8. Bryant was known for shooting a fall-away jump shot.
9. After-School All-Stars is an American non-profit organization that provided after-school programs to children in the U.S. which Bryant was the ambassador for.
10. Bryant was the first guard in the NBA to play at least 20 seasons.
Before Kobe Bryant had even passed away he was already regarded as one of the best players to come out of the NBA. With the news of his passing, it has just reflected how talented, selfless, and family-oriented Bryant was. Thoughts and prayers to his family, The Lakers, and everyone who has ever watched or played beside him.