An exciting day for the San Francisco 49ers turned into a tragic one for the world of sports. The team learned of the passing of beloved and iconic basketball player Kobe Bryant as it traveled from San Jose Airport to Miami International Airport on Sunday.

The NBA legend and former Los Angeles Lakers player was 41 years old. Kobe Bryant, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Sunday morning while traveling amid foggy conditions, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.


Several 49ers players reacted to the news via social media as their Miami-bound plane is in the air. The team is scheduled to land shortly after 7:00 p.m. ET.

Bryant played 20 seasons in the NFL, all with the Lakers, was a five-time NBA champion, and 18-time NBA All-Star. He retired in 2016.


Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, have three other daughters — Natalia, Bianca, and Capri.


The following were posted shortly after the 49ers' plane landed at Miami International Airport.



More San Francisco 49ers News