NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville is remembering the life of NBA icon Kobe Bryant who was killed Sunday in a helicopter crash with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others.
Thousands of fans gathered at the Staples Center to mourn the loss of the NBA legend, including Middle Tennessee State University students and faculty who were in Los Angeles for the Grammys last night.
Several digital billboards are lit up around Nashville, including this one on James Robertson Parkway, to honor his legacy.
Multiple buildings in downtown including the Metro courthouse were lit purple and gold to honor him.
The organization Partners in the Struggle hosted a vigil Monday evening at Hartman Park's Outdoor Basketball Court, located on Tucker Road near Bordeaux.
Its founder, Earl Jordan, says he's been a huge fan of Bryant and the NBA. Jordan asked fans to wear anything honoring the 18-time NBA All-Star or the Los Angeles Lakers and to bring a flashlight.
The 41-year-old former NBA star and his daughter, Gianna, were aboard the aircraft when it went down in Calabasas, California around 10 a.m. PST. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office says there were no survivors in the crash on a hillside near the intersection of Las Virgenes Road and Willow Glen Street.
Read more: Baseball coach, wife and daughter among those killed in helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant
Bryant is considered one of the best basketball players of all time, having won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also earned gold medals as a member of the U.S. men's basketball team in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Before his death, Bryant tweeted on Saturday, congratulating Lebron James on passing him as the third all-time scorer in the NBA.
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
