January 30, 2020
By City News Service
The nation's current and former presidents are reacting with sorrow to the death of retired basketball star Kobe Bryant in a Calabasas helicopter crash.
President Donald Trump tweeted that Bryant's death was “terrible news.”
“Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life,” Trump tweeted. “He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating....
“Melania and I send our warmest condolences to Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family. May God be with you all!”
Former President Barack Obama tweeted: “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”
And former President Bill Clinton issued a Sunday statement on behalf of himself and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: “Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and all those who died in today's helicopter crash. Kobe brought excitement and joy to basketball fans not just in Los Angeles, but all over the U.S. and around the world. He was also a leader off the court, including in his advocacy for young people, especially the vulnerable and homeless – a passion I saw firsthand when I joined him and Vanessa for the opening of a housing project they and their foundation supported. Kobe Bryant lived a very large life in a very short time. But above all, he loved his family. Our prayers are with Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, and all those who lost loved ones today.”