[NEWS] Christian Leaders React to Kobe Bryant and His Daughter’s Helicopter Crash

Kobe Bryant, the 41-year-old basketball legend and his 13-year-old daughter Giannadied in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Sunday morning. Gianna and her father were en route to an AAU basketball game Sunday morning when the helicopter crashed.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in an afternoon news conference the passenger manifest for the helicopter indicated nine people were on board. There were no survivors. 

News of the charismatic superstar’s death has moved Christian leaders all over the world.  Many are expressing words of confort and prayers over social media now.

Worship leader Darlene Zschech wept in prayer as she writes:  “Every time I pray, I actually start to weep for the Bryant family. For his wife and children. For the families of all those who died. I cannot fathom the pain.. but I know that I know, that as words fail me, the best thing I can do is pray. Psalm 55:17 ‘ evening and morning and at noon, I will pray and cry aloud, and He will hear my voice’.. Every time I pray, I actually start to weep for the Bryant family. For his wife and children. For the families of all those who died. I cannot fathom the pain.. but I know that I know, that as words fail me, the best thing I can do is pray. Psalm 55:17 ‘ evening and morning and at noon, I will pray and cry aloud, and He will hear my voice’.. “

Christian actress Roma Downey writes: “Rest in peace Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest basketball players of all-time (1978-2020).my heart goes out to his wife and children , praying for them and the other families who have lost loved ones in this terrible tragic accident.”

Bethel Music’s Jenn Johnson exclaims, “Oh Jesus. Be with his family & friends.” While colleague Cory Asbury simply writes: “RIP Legend.”

Craig Groeschel, pastor of Life.Church, tweeted a photo of Bryant along with the caption, “Such a tragedy. Praying for God’s presence and comfort for Kobe’s family.” 

“Lord We pray for the Bryant family. We pray for all those affected. We pray for the other families of those in the helicopter. We ask that your Spirit would be a comforter. In Jesus name,” writes Lecrae.

Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham and head of Samaritan’s Purse, expressed his sorrow on Facebook. 

“Our deepest condolences and prayers for the families of NBA-great Kobe Bryant, his 13-yr-old daughter, and the other victims in this tragic helicopter crash in California today. Please remember them in your prayers,” he wrote.

“Anytime there is tragedy like this, it is a reminder of the brevity of life and that none of us know when we are going to have to stand before God and give an account for our lives. Are you ready?”

Bryant was an American professional basketball player. A shooting guard, Bryant played his entire 20-season career in the National Basketball Association with the Los Angeles Lakers. He entered the NBA directly from high school and won five NBA championships.