Sparks ‘devastated, heartbroken’ by untimely passing of Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna

Like the rest of the basketball universe and beyond, the Los Angeles Sparks are in mourning following the untimely death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

Bryant, 41, perished along with his daughter Gianna, 13, and seven others. Enthusiasts of the WNBA, the father-daughter duo were often seen seated courtside in Staples Center for Sparks’ games.

On Monday, the Sparks organization issued the following statement:

The Sparks organization is devastated by the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Vanessa Bryant and their entire family as well as the families of the other victims involved.

Kobe leaves an extraordinary legacy as a father and an ambassador for the game of basketball. He had deep bonds with so many people in our organization.

We are deeply heartbroken and wish our utmost condolences.

Courtesy of the Los Angeles Sparks