'Please god no:' Fans, celebrities react to death of retired NBA legend Kobe Bryant

CALABASAS, Calif. -- Retired NBA legend Kobe Bryant died Sunday, Jan. 26 in a fiery helicopter crash along with four other people, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, TMZ reported.

The news sent shockwaves online, with fans, athletes and celebrities taking to Twitter to mourn the beloved 41-year-old basketball superstar.

A large crowd also gathered outside Staples Center Sunday afternoon to mourn Bryant.

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti released a statement responding to Bryant’s death, saying the basketball “will live forever in the heart of Los Angeles.”

“Kobe Bryant was a giant who inspired, amazed, and thrilled people everywhere with his incomparable skill on the court — and awed us with his intellect and humility as a father, husband, creative genius, and ambassador for the game he loved,” the mayor said.