World Mourns the Loss of Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bean Bryant was many things: one of the greatest players in basketball history, a five-time NBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, a fluent speaker of multiple languages, a resident of the world, an Oscar winner, the self-described Black Mamba that started as a nickname and became his brand, someone so good he had two numbers retired by the Los Angeles Lakers. Even more importantly, he was a devoted father and husband.

Bryant, his daughter and seven others were killed Sunday, January 26th when their helicopter plunged into a steep hillside in dense morning fog in Southern California.

Because Bryant touched lives all over the globe, we have invited members of our community to share their sentiments regarding the life, the legend, the icon that is Kobe Bean Bryant:

"The sports world has lost a true gentleman with the passing of Kobe Bryant. From the time he entered the NBA until his untimely death, Kobe Bryant was much more than just a basketball player. He was an unselfish teammate who would sacrifice himself for the good of the team. He not only was a father and husband, he was actively involved in the development of young people in life as well as sports, even coaching his daughter's team. He never sought the spotlight and maintained a humble attitude, always considering others before himself. Thank you Kobe for being a wonderful example for others to follow. You will be missed." ~ Drew Hefner, SCHSL Basketball Officialsee

"In a word, the death of Kobe Bryant was devastating! To me, there was no greater example of how a person--through determination, and hard work--can become successful at the highest level, no matter what they may endeavor. Kobe's greatness was displayed on the basketball court for many years, but his greatness as a person who gave young kids the hope that they may also be successful in their life, may be his greatest legacy. May we all strive to be all we can be and lift up those that we have the ability to lift up, just as Kobe did. 'It is not what he has, or even what he does which expresses the worth of a man, but what he is.' Henri-Frederic Amiel" ~ Paul Brigman, WHS Class of 1982; Athletic Director, Richard Winn Academy

"Kobe “Bean” Bryant left the world in awe by the way he approached the game. His drive and determination were contagious to fans that loved and played the game of basketball. He impacted so many lives including myself from the way he approached the game and life. His legacy will live on forever! ~ Keith Workman, FCHS Class of 2014

"The passing of Kobe Bryant came as a huge shock to so many. The impact that he made on the world through basketball and his love for people will be everlasting. We'll speak of his loss not just today but also in the years to come. He made his mark on the world and we thank him for what he's done and all of the people he inspired to dream and dream big. J26 a day we'll never forget." ~ Sha'Ron Robertson, FCHS Class of 2002; Northwestern High School Girls BB Coach

"The tragic death of Kobe Bryant, along with his daughter, Gianna, and 7 others should remind us that life on Earth is short and we must live it to the fullest every day. Kobe was a giant who inspired, amazed, and thrilled people all over the world with his incomparable skills on the basketball court. He awed us with his intellect and humility as a father, husband, son, creative genius, and ambassador for the game he loved. Kobe was one of my top 5 NBA players of all time who embodied the phrase, "If you want to be great, you must put in the work”. That phrase or saying can be applied to any endeavor in life. ~ Carl D. Kennedy, WHS Basketball Team, Class of 1973

"As a coach, you never fully understand the impact and role an athlete plays in your life until they are no longer with us. As a past athlete and now coach, I try to model what great players and leaders do, on and off the court, to better myself as a person and coach. Kobe Bryant was one who demonstrated leadership skills, which can be used in my everyday walk of life. He inspired many of my past teammates, players, opponents, as well as myself to pick up a basketball and play to the best of our ability. The world of basketball as we know it will never be the same. ~ Candace Bush, FCHS Class of 2002; Middle School Athletic Coordinator

The loss of Kobe Bryant took my breath away. Growing up as a basketball player, Kobe Bryant was always a topic of discussion. He was and will always be a basketball icon. Now as a coach, I reflect on his passing; I want to remind everyone, especially the student-athletes to Keep the Score and Make it Count. As we embark on the rest of our journey, whatever we do in life, we have to make it count and make it count for life. We have to continue to be our very best and also give our best. Kobe Bryant didn’t just become Kobe Bryant just because. He’s Kobe Bryant because of his hard work and dedication. There are 24 hours in a day to show that we can make every hour and every second count. Kobe’s number is 24. Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” really stood out to me. The Mamba Mentality was an example of his relentless approach to the game, his sacrifices on and off the court, preparation, and hard work. He was a leader that encouraged everyone to strive for greatness! “You are responsible for how people remember you. So don’t take it lightly. The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be GREAT in whatever they do.” - Kobe Bryant" ~ Amelia Miller, FCHS Class of 2005; FCHS Girls Basketball Coach

"Kobe Bryant was one of the first players who I looked up to when I fell in love with basketball. I admired his work ethic and dedication to the game. It is devastating to be informed of an unexpected death." ~ Dequan Weldon, FCHS Class of 2014

"When I first heard the tragic news, my heart dropped tremendously. At that moment I didn’t know how to feel. Watching him would just put a big smile on my face. When looking at all of the pictures and videos of him smiling, laughing, and having a good time, it really made me think, 'Is the world really what we think it is?' With the sudden loss of Kobe, all I could think about is life. I just wanted to go hug my dad, because knowing that Kobe’s kids couldn’t hug him or their sister anymore broke my heart even more. I think we all should be happy in life and live everyday like it’s our last. Go tell your family, friends, and loved ones that you really love them, because you really don’t know when their last day is going to be. R.I.P. Kobe Bryant, aka- “Black Mamba,” and Gianna "Gigi" Bryant." You all will forever be missed and thought about. ~ Deon Woodard, FCHS student.

"Hearing the news on Kobe, I was in shock and disbelief. Kobe was an awesome player and an ambassador for both men’s and women’s basketball. My heart goes out to all the victims and their families." ~ Russell Price, Fairfield County Parks and Recreation Center

"During this time of grief, it is very difficult to respond to such a shocking and terrible accident of this magnitude. Kobe Bryant has not only lost his life, but one of his daughters--who loved basketball as well--lost hers, along with friends and associates. He is leaving behind his dear wife, three daughters, parents, along with former teammates. There is no reason to try and compare his accolades and world championship titles because they all speak for themselves. Kobe Bryant revitalized the NBA League and he has done it with class, charisma, and skills. May God continue to bless his immediate family and friends." ~ J. Ronald Sims; former WHS and FCHS Basketball Coach

"When I first heard the news about Kobe, I did not believe it. Kobe was my favorite athlete of all time! I found out about the tragic accident through social media. I watched the horrific details unfold piece by piece. I was hurt as if I knew personally, but I was encouraged by his impact and his legacy." ~ Jonathan Durant; FCHS Boys Basketball Coach

"We not only lost another black man, but we lost a legend. Kobe was one of the greatest to ever lace up and compete on the hardwood. He was one of the players you could look forward to seeing leadership from; you would know he is not normal--no matter where he was. I like this quote by him “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great at whatever they want to do.” A businessman, a good father and a helping friend for males and females, that's what Kobe meant to the world. He is gone, but his legacy will live long." ~ Charlie Cason Jr.; FCHS Varsity Basketball Player

"The name Kobe is a household name among most people here in the U.S., as well as other countries. My brother called and shared the awful news, and I was spellbound. I felt instant pain in my heart for Kobe, his daughter, and his family. I pray God strengthens his family during this time of sadness." ~Sonya Kennedy, WHS Basketball Team, Class of 1978