Photo: WENN/Avalon
Khloe Kardashian, Reese Witherspoon, and Lance Bass are among the stars pouring out their hearts on social media following the death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
The 41-year-old sportsman was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning (26Jan20), and his celebrity fans were quick to salute the retired champion on social media.
Khloe wrote: "This can't be real, there's no way!!! My heart hurts... Please don't let this be True. I'm shaking."
Witherspoon added: "Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant. An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well, while Bass shared a photo of Kobe in his iconic purple and gold uniform and added the caption: "No words."
There were also tributes from former U.S. leader Barack Obama, Khalid, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, Disney boss Bob Iger, Kelly Clarkson, fellow basketball legends Vince Carter, Scotty Pippen, and Paul Pierce, footballers Tom Brady and Brett Favre, and rapper A$AP Rocky, who wrote: "RIP KOBE, SO SAD, SUCH A SAD DAY N SAD NEWS, WE LOVE U."
Ellen DeGeneres was also quick to jump on the sad news, tweeting: "Like everyone, I'm stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family," while former Lakers cheerleader Paula Abdul posted a photo of herself hugging Bryant and added the caption: "I am completely speechless and devastated at the unexpected passing of my dear friend, @kobebryant.
"Kobe had a big heart and an even bigger love for the community of Los Angeles. Through his foundation, he changed the lives of so many people and families with his wife, Vanessa."