Condolences: We Mourn With America; We Mourn With The NBA

Kobe Bryant & Daughter, Gianna. Photo credit: ABC News

The Editorial Board and Staff of Heartmenders Magazine Media Inc., mourn the untimely and heartwrenching exit of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven other people.

This occurred as Kobe's private helicopter, a Sikorsky S-76, departed John Wayne in the morning, crashed and exploded and caught fire on the hills at Calabasas, CA, on January 26, 2020.

There was little the Los Angeles County firefighters and paramedics could do to save them as it was reported that no survivors were found on their arrival.

On the day Kobe died, hundreds of children were waiting for him to come and coach them on a basketball game in which his own daughter who also died in the crash was supposed to play too.

It was painful for everyone to receive the news of the painful exit of these beautiful souls. The Los Angeles Times called Kobe, "A talent like no other..."

Kobe joined the Lakers at the age of 17; won an Academy Award; 5 NBA championships, was the NBA Finals MVP twice, and League MVP once; won 2 Olympic gold medals, scoring 81 points in one game, and 60 points in his retiring game. He founded Gravity Studios, a serial entrepreneur and a wonderful father of 4 girls.

Kobe was survived by 3 girls and his beautiful wife. He died at 41 alongside her 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.

Other beautiful souls lost were Orange Coast College baseball coach, John Altobelli, 56 years of age, his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa. Others were Christina Mauser, an Orange County girls basketball assistant coach, the pilot of the helicopter, etc., according to CNN.

An investigation into the crash is still ongoing.

Indeed, what a tragic loss. The impact of this loss would be felt a very long time in the world of American sports, as well as in the communities where these individuals were changing lives.

May we all take solace and comfort that they had contributed their part in helping shape a positive and powerful world they left behind.

We will continue to light the candle and mourn their departure as we wish their positive trails continue to inspire others.