By Fernando Alfonso III, Amir Vera and Aimee Lewis, CNN
The Lady Mavericks basketball team was seen today mourning the death of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California.
The Lady Mavericks were playing in the Mamba Cup basketball tournament where Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi were expected for a game today at noon.
From CNN's Artemis Moshtaghian
Orange Coast College (OCC) baseball coach John Altobelli died in the helicopter crash with Kobe Bryant early Sunday morning, OCC assistant coach Ron La Ruffa told Orange County Register newspaper.
There were five people aboard the helicopter that crashed in Calabasas, CA, on Sunday morning.
Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria Onore Bryant have been identified as the two other passengers who died on the helicopter. The names and identities of the two other passengers have not been identified.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement today regarding the passing of Kobe Bryant, saying the 5-time NBA champion "showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning."
“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna," Silver said. "For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning. He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals. But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna."
Silver added: “We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”
The popular basketball video game NBA 2K is paying tribute today to Kobe Bryant on the game's log in screen.
The screen shows a black and white image of Bryant with the words "Kobe Bryant 1978-2020."
From CNN's Alison Kosik
Nike, a longtime business partner of Kobe Bryant, said it was "devastated" over the news of his death today in California.
"Along with millions of athletes and fans throughout the world, we are devastated by today’s tragic news. We extend our deepest sympathies to those closest to Kobe, especially his family and friends. He was one of the greatest athletes of his generation and has had an immeasurable impact on the world of sport and the community of basketball. He was a beloved member of the Nike family. We will miss him greatly. Mamba forever," the company said in a statement.
From CNN's Chuck Johnston
Politicians joined celebrities and athletes in responding to Kobe Bryant's death today.
"Heartbroken by the loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter," said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. "PA will never forget our time as Kobe’s home."
Former Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar tweeted a video discussing Kobe Bryant, saying his death was a "loss that's hard to comprehend."
Abdul-Jabbar played for the Lakers from 1975-1989.
Former President Barack Obama used Twitter to share his thoughts and condolences over Kobe Bryant's death, saying the legendary NBA star was "just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act."
Read Obama's tweet:
CNN’s Nick Watt and Jon Passantino
NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter were expected at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks for a basketball game scheduled for noon today.
Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Maria Onore Bryant, was expected to play in the game and Kobe Bryant was expected to coach, according to Lady Mavericks team director Evelyn Morales.
The game was expected to be played against the team Lady Pride and was part of a tournament in the Mamba Cup Series.
