KOBE

           I try not to get caught up in what is now a world of social media, mobile phones and limited face to face human interaction. A few hours per day and I feel guilty. The past few days have been quite a distinct exception however. Along with millions of others my heart sank in disbelief on Sunday as I read those words. ‘Kobe Bryant dead at 41’. As sick as celebrity death rumours are, I prayed that this was just that, a rumour. As I sat up and frantically scrolled through my Twitter feed, I quickly learned this was no con by some sick individual. Verified accounts breaking the news is the most authentic confirmation out there in this day and age. One of the most iconic athletes of all-time is gone.

          The overwhelming outpour of messages regarding Kobe’s passing show just a fraction of appreciation and love his friends, family and fans had for arguably the best Los Angeles Laker ever. The five-time NBA champion, eighteen-time All-Star has understandably taken the lion-share of attention following the helicopter crash that not only killed an NBA legend but also his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others on board. Whilst each life lost is just as tragic, the legacy of Kobe has his death at the forefront of the disaster. Once the full list of the nine individuals killed on Sunday morning were unveiled to the public, heart-warming messages were left to all involved, not just the much loved ‘Mamba’. Three days on and the city of L.A. still hasn’t digested the loss of it’s beloved Kobe Bryant.

          I’m not going to sit here and pretend I’m a basketball expert. Football is my priority in the sports category, yet when you grow up in an era with a legend such as Kobe Bryant, you take advantage. When the Super Bowl ends and the lengthy NFL off-season begins, I found myself tuning in to the NBA from time to time. With such a large list of fixtures it seemed like there was always a game to watch. I’ve even made it my own personal tradition to watch the festive NBA games on Christmas evening. My heart lies within the gridiron, but I appreciate greatness when I see it. When Kobe left the game behind, I checked out as much footage and interviews as I could. Even for someone not as invested in the sport Kobe Bryant was an icon. His ability and worth ethic, always trying to improve on his skills, Kobe was inspiring for all. Whether a young athlete following in his footsteps or simply someone trying to achieve their goal in life, so many people were driven by the ‘Mamba mentality’ Kobe portrayed.

          There are two sides to Kobe Bryant. The basketball side known by millions. Twenty years as a Los Angeles Laker, his legendary 81-point game in January 2006, the three-peat at the beginning of the millennium, two Olympic gold medals with the United States basketball team. Then there’s the other side of Kobe, the more personal side. Kobe the dad. An astonishing number of messages posted about the late Laker have touched on what a wonderful father the future Hall of Famer was to his four daughters. The most poignant Kobe story I’ve encountered through my rummaging of social media was that of ESPN’s Elle Duncan. In her anecdote she discusses no basketball. Instead Elle shed some light on Kobe’s enthusiasm towards parenting, specifically to fathering girls. Elle shared how Kobe showed such an interest in her pregnancy during their encounter. When Elle revealed to him, she was carrying a baby girl Kobe continued to express his love for his daughters. The term ‘girl dad’ he used, is now trending on Twitter, prompting thousands to share photos and stories of their relationships with their daughters. Elle Duncan’s amazing story, whilst admittedly a guaranteed tear jerker, has ignited an incredible twist on the aftermath of tragedy. Although we are still in mourning over the death of Kobe, his daughter ‘Gigi’ and the seven other victims, the story of a loving father and his close relationship with his daughters has urged people to appreciate life and our loved ones. ‘Hug someone you love today’ were the words of ESPN analyst and former Chicago Bull, Jay Williams following the events on Sunday.

          Perhaps it’s because 13-year-old Gigi was also taken far too soon in the crash that Kobe’s death has been so hard to come to terms with. Kobe was so proud of his daughter and took a large interest in her own basketball career. Footage of Kobe and Gigi discussing tactics courtside just months before their deaths has become a hauntingly beautiful moment between a father and his daughter. As I think about the final moments in that helicopter, I try not to imagine the fear racing through the pair but how Kobe would be holding Gigi, trying his hardest to comfort her and doing what he did best, be a loving dad.

          Just when I think it has sunk in, I open my phone up and see Kobe, turn on the television and there he is. Every-time his image appears it shocks me again, Kobe’s gone. Kobe Bryant, one of the best to ever pick up a basketball. There must be a reason Kobe’s passing feels like such a personal loss. Especially for someone who never followed his every game let alone never met the man. New York Knicks player and Philadelphia native Marcus Morris hit the nail on the head. ‘Superman isn’t supposed to die’ Morris stated, his initial reaction to the loss. Kobe Bryant was a freak athlete, twenty years at one of America’s biggest sports organisations gives you an insight into how fit and healthy Bryant kept himself. 5-time NBA champion, father of four girls, happily married and just 41 years-old. Kobe and Gigi had so much more to offer. Gigi with her whole life ahead of her and Kobe beginning a new chapter in life.

          I can’t think of the pain Kobe’s wife Vanessa and the children are going through, any death is horrible but to lose two family members in the same incident is just unimaginable. Life is unbelievably precious. Don’t take anybody for granted.

          The L.A. Lakers postponed their game with the Clippers which was due to be played just two days after the loss of their beloved Kobe Bryant. I remain undecided as to whether Kobe would have wanted his Lakers to call off such a big game, what with his Mamba mentality. Either way we know Kobe and Gigi will be watching on together as the Lakers look to bring a smile back to a broken city.

Rest in peace, Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Ara Zobayan.