Renowned basketball star Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and several others have died after their helicopter crashed in California.
Leaders from across the world have send their condolences to the Byrant family following the tragic news.
The President of the United States of America Donald Trump confirmed the news, describing the helicopter crash as terrible news.
Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. 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!" Trump tweeted.
Former US President Barack Obama said the fact that Kobe's daughter Gianna also perished, was even more heart-breaking.
"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," Obama wrote.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted in a tweet written in Hebrew accompanied with a picture of the NBA legend.
"I was sorry to hear about the tragedy in the USA, a sad day for all sports lovers in the world. Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest basketball players in history, was killed today in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Survived by a wife, four children, and millions of basketball enthusiasts around the world. Not to be forgotten. May he rest in peace," Netanyahu's message reads in translation.
Renowned civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson said the death of Bryant had left a hole in the game
"As I tweet through my tears, I am so hurt. I cannot stop crying. Kobe was instrumental to so many people. There is a hole in the basketball world and will be for a long time. Rest in heavenly peace. #KobeBryant," Rev Jesse Jackson tweeted.