Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal and other stars lead tributes to Kobe Bryant after death in helicopter crash

Tributes have continued to pour in for basketball legend Kobe Bryant following his death in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning.

Fellow NBA stars Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal led the tributes. Jordan said “words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling” while O'Neil added: "I'm sick right now."

They were joined by stars including Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

Bryant, 41, died alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other people in the crash in Southern California.

The Los Angeles Lakers stalwart is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Jordan's statement read: "I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe's and Gianna's passing. Words can't describe the pain I'm feeling,

"Kobe was an amazing dad who loved his family deeply - and took great pride in his daughter's love for the game of basketball."

O'Neal, who won three NBA titles with Bryant at the Lakers, said: "There's no words to express the pain I'm going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi & my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie.

"I love you and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. I'm sick right now."

Bryant spent his entire 20 season career at the Californian team, and thousands of fans have mourned his passing outside the home stadium, the Staples Center.

Inside, the Grammys were being handed out and artists remembered the icon on the day he died.

Keys, who was hosting the awards, opened with poignant words, stating: “We’re all feeling crazy sadness right now, because earlier today Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero.”

Kanye West tweeted a picture of himself with Bryant and wrote: “Kobe, We love you brother We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave.”

Taylor Swift tweeted: “My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can’t fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all.

“Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.”

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo added: “So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna.

“Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend.”

Tennis star Novak Djokovic posted to his 8.7million followers: “My heart truly mourns over the news today. Kobe was a great mentor and friend to me.

“You and your daughter will live forever in our hearts.

“There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathies to the Bryants and every family suffering from this tragedy. RIP my friend.”

Rafa Nadal tweeted: “I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsman in the world.

“Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock.”

Football star Neymar paid tribute on the pitch to his fellow sportsman, holding up his hands to make the number 24 after scoring.

Bryant wore the number 24 for the Lakers.

Former US president Barack Obama sent condolences to the Bryant family from him and wife Michelle.

He tweeted: “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”

Drake posted a picture of a jacket emblazoned with Bryant’s image and the words “farewell Mamba,” a reference to the player’s nickname “black mamba”.

The jacket was from Bryant’s retirement in 2016 and the Canadian hip hop artist captioned it: “It can’t be.”

Among the others on board the doomed helicopter was college baseball coach John Altobelli. His death was confirmed by the Orange Coast College, where he worked.

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