ABA joins the basketball world in mourning the loss of Kobe Bryant

On January 26, 2020, the basketball world lost an icon when Kobe Bryant was killed at age 41 in a tragic helicopter crash in California that also took the lives of eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter.

A five-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star who retired in 2016 as the third-leading all-time scorer in NBA history, Bryant personified an era for basketball fans and players alike.

While he spent his entire 20-season career in Los Angeles, his influence on the game was felt around the world, including in our province. A generation of Albertans grew up idolizing Bryant, were inspired to pick up a basketball or push themselves to greater heights by Bryant and grew up idolizing the Lakers legend. A cherished image by many in Edmonton is of Bryant wearing an Oilers NHL jersey bearing the name and number of Wayne Gretzky.

We at the Alberta Basketball Association share the world in mourning the loss of Kobe Bryant.

“We are all shocked at the unthinkable passing of Kobe Bryant at such a young age,” ABA Executive Director Paul Sir says. “We grieve for his family's losing their daughter and for all the families who have suffered such tragic losses. Kobe is a legend that defined a basketball generation. We all need to tell those who are important to us that we love them because every moment is a gift.”