Click the link here to see the above header photo. This past Sunday morning, the internet was flooded with messages of disbelief upon learning about the death of one of the NBA’s greatest players, Kobe Bryant. As more of the story unfolded, we also learned that Kobe’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna and 7 other individuals had been killed in a terrible helicopter crash outside of Calabasas. As athletes, fans, and individuals around the globe began posting their favorite moments of Bryant, and the “Mamba Mentality” of giving your 100% at all times, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints offered their deepest prayers and thoughts to those affected by the tragic accident.
Among those Latter-Day Saints were Jimmer Fredette, Brandon Davies, Mark Durrant, Jackson Emery, Chad Lewis, and Michael Smith. They offered heartfelt messages to Bryant’s family and spoke to the inspiration Kobe left behind.
Such a sad day. RIP to a legend. He was an inspiration to so many including myself. Prayers to his loved ones right now. #mamba
— Jimmer Fredette (@jimmerfredette) January 26, 2020
Hoopin in nothing but Kobe’s all year!!!
— Brandon Davies (@Brandon_Davies0) January 27, 2020
Today’s news hit me hard. Kobe was a man – but he was much more than that. He was part of our collective conscience for decades. He was at the heart of something most of us love and follow and that unites us. Kobe the man died today, but a part of all of us dies with him.
— Mark Durrant (@DurrantMark) January 26, 2020
I talked to my boys today about Kobe and what made him great. We pulled out his book and read through it. I told them that we need to enjoy all the greats while they play, even if they aren’t on our favorite team. Life is too short to not enjoy phenomenal talent. pic.twitter.com/5y6rLTBi4n
— Jackson Emery (@jacksonemery04) January 27, 2020
My son Jeff just told me the horrible news that Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash. Instantly broke my heart. I always wanted to meet him after seeing him wear my Eagles jersey in shoot around before games. May God comfort his family. He changed the world and the game. pic.twitter.com/gfHXjqWiGl
— Chad Lewis (@Chadlewis89) January 26, 2020
This last time we spoke, I asked Kobe if he had picked up golf and if he wanted me to teach him how to be scratch……he said, “I don’t have time to become great at golf, there’s too much life out there to live!” Wow! This was just three weeks ago. #MambaMentalityForever pic.twitter.com/Ti1jvTe3r1
— Michael Smith (@themikesmithway) January 27, 2020
Many spoke to the hard work, and resilient determination Kobe Bryant embodied over the course of his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers which included being 5-time NBA champion, 2-time NBA Finals MVP, 18-time NBA All-Star, and 2-time NBA scoring champion. Kobe Bryant inspired multiple generations to always give their best and to work diligently for what they wanted to achieve in life. He believed in living life to the fullest, and never settling for sitting by on the sidelines. Within these tragic moments, it only seems appropriate to remember that this life is truly a gift and that we should remember to tell our loved ones how much they mean to us. Our loving Father in Heaven has given us this time on Earth to experience all of the blessings He has given us, and to give us opportunities to work hard, succeed, and have joy.
Featured Image Courtesy of Kobe Bryant/Instagram
Devin is a graduate of Brigham Young University where he studied English and Business Management. He is a writer, photographer, movie-fanatic, and a lover of street tacos. He served his mission in Tokyo, Japan.
