2020 definitely started with a bang, just not one that we were hoping for.

On January 26, 2020, the world was shocked by the sudden news of Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s death. The father (41) and daughter (13) boarded a personal helicopter that morning with seven other people. ESPN reported that “Bryant was headed from Orange County to his daughter’s tournament at his Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks on the morning of Jan. 26. The group, including one of his daughter’s coaches and two of her teammates, encountered thick fog in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles.” Bryant left behind his wife Vanessa and three remaining children Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.

The annual Grammy Awards were held just hours after news of the tragedy was released. Many stars paid tribute to the Bryant family, including Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Lizzo, Little Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, and many more.

Bryant’s team, the Los Angeles Lakers, retired his two numbers (8 and 24) out of respect for the legendary player, father, and man. From shooting a paper basketball into a trash can or watching the Lakers play on T.V., Kobe’s legacy will forever live on – in our hearts and our minds.