Atlanta pays tribute to Kobe Bryant in wake of NBA icon’s death
As the investigation continues into why the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven other people crashed, the city of Atlanta and its residents continue to pay tribute to the NBA star.
Onboard the helicopter with Bryant and Gianna were Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and daughter, Alyssa; Christina Mauser; Sarah Chester and her daughter, Payton; and pilot Ara Zobayan.
» Fans mourn death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant
Within 24 hours of their deaths, Atlanta was honoring the L.A. Lakers legend. Lights on buildings switched to purple and gold. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport acknowledged their passing indoors and out. And a mural went up in Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark.
» Kobe Bryant honored with mural at Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark
01/28 Mike Luckovich: Father Daughter dance https://t.co/kgj5iOLVe2
— mike luckovich (@mluckovichajc) January 27, 2020
A father. A husband. A legend.
— MercedesBenzStadium (@MBStadium) January 27, 2020
His time was too brief, but his legacy everlasting. RIP Kobe.
Sending love to the Bryant family and all those affected by today’s heartbreaking news. pic.twitter.com/xLnPPq551T
We join the city of #Atlanta in paying tribute to NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and mourning the loss of all nine victims in yesterday's helicopter crash. #RIPKobeandGianna #RIPAltobelliFamily #ripchesterfamily #riparazobayan #RIPChristinaMauser pic.twitter.com/EyhbokWBkk
— Atlanta City Council (@atlcouncil) January 27, 2020
That one was for you...
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 27, 2020
Rest Easy Kobe🐍 pic.twitter.com/mXW86TKXsP
A lovely tribute inside @ATLairport to @kobebryant and his beautiful daughter. I’m looking forward to the lighting of the outside canopy and @CityofAtlanta Hall in purple and gold in his honor. #KobeRIP pic.twitter.com/dT1tD2REMf
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) January 27, 2020
Atlanta airport honoring Kobe Bryant, Gigi and the other fallen victims. #MambaForever #gigibryant pic.twitter.com/XFe9mufRYP
— SAVANNAH 🌺 (@savannahmonet__) January 28, 2020
Statement from the Atlanta Hawks on the passing of Kobe Bryant: https://t.co/MBMwcAVr1l pic.twitter.com/Hv9xRY3EsI
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 27, 2020
» If you'd like to sign our guestbook for Kobe Bryant, click here
Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me’Arah. pic.twitter.com/BHBPN5Wq8V
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
Moment of silence at State Farm Arena: pic.twitter.com/BAi7cJHExk
— Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) January 26, 2020
R.I.P Kobe
— ŠHßŁÅ (@just_shayla87) January 27, 2020
From the city of Atlanta #KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/Xlcfi8zPnj
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About the Author
Nancy Clanton is a lead producer for The AJC's platforms team, but also writes stories about health, travel, events and entertainment. A native of Knoxville and graduate of the University of Tennessee, she has worked at the AJC for 24 years.
