CALABASAS, CA — From athletes to politicians, public figures are reacting to the reports that Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in Southern California.
The basketball legend and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among the five people who died when the aircraft went down in Calabasas around 10 a.m. Sunday, according to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Here in Big Sky Country one Montanan has a special connection to one of the best wing scorers to ever step on the NBA hardwood.
Phil Jackson -- who has a home in the Flathead -- said that "the crash was a tragedy for multiple families. My heart goes out to Vanessa and the families that lost loved ones. Kobe was a chosen one-special in many ways to many people. Our relationship as coach/player transcended the norm. He went beyond the veil."
Former Montana Grizzly and NBA guard Will Cherry said on Twitter that he was sick to my stomach. "I literally just came from my grandma funeral, same day somebody I grew up died in a car crash and now Kobe! This is pure trash"
Former All Big Sky guard and current European pro Ahmad Rorie said on Twitter, "Nah not Kobe Bryant man c’mon." He added, “this is all I can think about right now. A loving father and his daughter. RIP Kobe and Gigi."
