Published 11:45 IST, January 27th 2020
Bill Clinton pays tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant: ‘Large life in a short time’
Former US President Bill Clinton expressed anguish over the death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna who died in a helicopter crash.
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Former US President Bill Clinton expressed anguish over death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, and his daughter Gianna among ors who died in a helicopter crash on January 26. Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in a joint statement, paid tribute to legendary basketball player and offered condolences to his family.
“Hillary and I are deeply saddened by tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and all those who died in today's helicopter crash,” said Clinton.
“Kobe brought excitement and joy to basketball fans t just in Los Angeles, but all over U.S. and around world,” he added.
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'Saw his passion firsthand'
42nd US President mentioned Kobe’s off court contributions for humanitarian cause and said that NBA player advocated for young people, especially vulnerable and homeless. He added that he saw passion firsthand when he joined Kobe and wife Vanessa for opening of a housing project couple and ir foundation supported.
“Kobe Bryant lived a very large life in a very short time. But above all, he loved his family. Our prayers are with Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, and all those who lost loved ones today,” said Clinton.
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Trump offers condolence
Tributes and condolences started pouring in from around world as soon as news of Kobe’s death broke. US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to express his grief over tragic incident. Calling Kobe is one of ‘truly’ great basketball players of all time, Trump said that 41-year-old had a strong passion for future. “ loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating,” tweeted Trump.
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11:30 IST, January 27th 2020