Kobe Bryant: Ronaldo, Trump, Arsenal, others grieve

Condolences are beginning to pour in from sports stars, world leaders and also celebrities from all walks of life following the death of Kobe Bryant.

Kobe Bryant, a former Los Angeles Lakers basketball player and his daughter died in a helicopter crash in the Calabasas on Sunday morning.

The news has left the world saddened as seen in the messages shared on social media handles of many prominent people.

Some of the messages gathered by MyNigeria come from Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Emmanuel Adebayor etc.

Juventus star player, Cristiano Ronaldo wrote: "So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend".

Arsenal Football Club wrote: "A true sporting icon. A legend among legends. An incredible legacy. Kobe Bryant transcended sports and will never be forgotten. RIP, Kobe".

Emmanuel Adebayor wrote: "SEA, I can’t believe it. You inspired so many, including me...RIP Legend @kobebryant #GodFirst #RIPKOBE #MambaForever #SEA"

Jay Jay Okocha: "Speechless true legend".

Jada Pinkett wrote: "Life is so fragile. This is the kind of loss that makes you deeply reflective. My prayers to Vanessa, her children and all of those who love Kobe and Gigi. This is a hard one. My heart is broken and bleeding everywhere today. This tragedy happened only a few miles from where I am. It’s heavy and it’s painful. Hug those you love. Don’t just SAY I love you. Show up and SHOW it! Rest in the arms of the Highest, Kobe and Gigi Prayers to the family of the pilot and the other two spirits that were accompanying Kobe and Gigi. RIP"

Trump wrote: "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".

He added: "Melania and I send our warmest condolences to Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family. May God be with you all!"

Obama wrote: "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".

Kobe had always made use of helicopter to shuttle from place to place during his time at LA Lakers.

He spent 20 years with the Lakers and won 5 NBA championships, 2 NBA Finals MVPs and was the 2008 league MVP.

His jersey number, 8 and 24, were retired by the club making it the only time such was ever done in the club's history