Yesterday (Wednesday), January 26, the world marked two years since the tragic death of Kobe Bryant. One of the greatest basketball players to walk the planet died at the age of 41, accompanied by his daughter, 13-year-old Gianna, in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, knowing it had shaken basketball, sports and the entire world. Both in the NBA and in the United States in general, there were a variety of tributes in memory of Kobe and Gianna, the most prominent of which was unveiled this morning – a statue of the father and daughter, which was placed at the scene of the disaster.
The sculpture was designed by an artist named Dan Medina, whose title he chose was “Heroes come and go, legends stay forever.” Medina said around placing the statue: “You come here and it’s very exciting. You see the flowers and shirts everywhere, and I thought you needed something more permanent to commemorate.” The statue was unveiled in a special ceremony, in front of fans, locals and also a number of people who were close to Kobi in his life.
As you may recall, two years ago at 9:06 a.m., Bryant boarded an Orange County helicopter after conducting a basketball tournament, including his daughter. Kobe and Gianna boarded the flight, along with six other passengers and pilot USA Zubayan. At 09:45 the helicopter crashed on the side of a mountain in Calabasas, California. All the passengers, including Kobi, were killed on the spot. The world of sports has been hit by a shock, from which – it seems – has not yet fully recovered to this day.
Two years ago, we lost a legend.
Mamba forever ???????? pic.twitter.com/TNUH3eh8Zf
– SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 26, 2022
Two years ago today, the world lost Kobe and Gianna Bryant ???? pic.twitter.com/7Fd12A7RQS
— ESPN (@espn) January 26, 2022
A statue of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gigi has been placed at the site of the fatal helicopter crash in Calabasas to honor all the victims. ????????????????????️ https://t.co/OreOksjcBS pic.twitter.com/zA2amGwM8J
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) January 26, 2022
2 years ago today; Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, who made us love this game, inspired a generation and instilled a mentality in another, lost their lives in a helicopter crash. ????
Sleep in the light. ???? pic.twitter.com/xhGQGHY6jr
— Clutch Time (@ClutchPage) January 25, 2022
Countless memories.
Thank you, Kobe ???? pic.twitter.com/UB01RYkprK
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 26, 2022