Kobe Bryant Memorial fills Staples Center - RIP Kobe Bryant

The world said its final goodbye to basketball legend Kobe Bryant yesterday, during an emotional tribute at the Los Angeles Staples Center. 

Michael Jordan helps Vanessa Bryant off the stage during the emotional tribute to Kobe Bryant at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Highlights

By Marshall Connolly (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
2/25/2020 (5 years ago)

Published in Sports

Keywords: Kobe Bryant, memorial, tribute, Catholic, Lakers, Los Angeles, 24

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Fans of Kobe Bryant packed the Staples Center in Los Angeles to say goodbye to Kobe Bryant. Bryant lost his life in a tragic helicopter crash on January 26. Bryant was known as one of the best basketball players in the world. He was also a devoted family man and Catholic. He attended Mass just an hour before the crash that took his life. 

The memorial packed the Staples Center, where the Los Angeles Lakers play. Bryant was eulogized by a host of celebrities and his wife, Vanessa Bryant. 

Approximately 20,000 people packed into the stadium for the memorial while millions more watched on television. 

In the center of the arena was a 24 by 24 foot stage surrounded by 33,643 red roses, one for each point Kobe Bryant scored during his career. His jersey number was 24. 

Beyonce Knowles performed the song, "Halo" as a tribute. The comedian Jimmy Kimmel spoke and asked everyone to introduce themselves to one another. 

There was also an emphasis placed on the remembrance of Gianna Bryant, Kobe's 13-year-old daughter who was also killed in the helicopter crash. 

As Catholics, Kobe Bryant is acknowledged and remembered for his Catholic faith. When he was a young and rising star, Bryant faced many personal struggles and made a series of poor life choices. At his moment of crisis, Bryant turned to his Catholic faith which he credited with changing his life for the better. His faith saved his marriage and allowed him to become the role model he is remembered as today. Bryant went on to start a charitable foundation and a stellar career for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Kobe Bryant perished along with eight others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on January 26, 2020. The helicopter crashed into a hill while flying though dense fog. It appears pilot error may be likely to blame. 

Kobe and Gianna were laid to rest at Pacific View Memorial Park in Newport Beach, California on February 7. For now, the actual gravesite is unknown to the public to protect the family's privacy.