LOS ANGELES, Jan 27 — How people on Twitter reacted to reports of the death of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant yesterday:
— “Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant. An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well.” — Oscar winning actress Reese Witherspoon
— “Heart going out to the Bryant family right now. RIP Kobe Bryant.” — US women’s footballer and World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe
— “Kobe — you were a true inspiration to me as an athlete. I always admired your professionalism, drive and dedication. Our thoughts are with your loved ones. RIP.” — Tennis star Kim Clijsters
— “Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened to hear the horrific news about Kobe Bryant. Thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this terribly sad time #RIPKobeBryant.” — Australian cricket legend Shane Warne
— “@kobebryant Gone much too soon, how devastating to hear of his passing, he gave joy to so many for so long — deep condolences to his family, his friends, his Laker family. RIP Kobe... #lifeistooshort.” — Tennis great Martina Navratilova
— “Heartbreaking news! Hard to fathom @kobebryant is gone. Just had their 4th child. 41 years old. #insane. RIP Kobe.” — Former US tennis star Tracy Austin
— “We miss you already Kobe.” — NFL Super Bowl winner Tom Brady
— “This is unreal.” — LPGA golfer Cheyenne Woods, the niece of Tiger Woods
— “I truly can’t believe this. My heart is so heavy. Rest In Peace Kobe. What an unimaginable loss. All of my prayers to your loved ones.” — Former US Open tennis champion Sloane Stephens
— “Life is so precious man. I was a huge fan. RIP Mamba.” — US tennis player Mardy Fish
— “Kobe Bryant you’re an angel. RIP to you legend. So kind and had time for everyone. The epitome of class and hard work. An Idol. Prayers to his family.” — US footballer Jozy Altidore
— “Hard to believe. RIP #KobeBryant #MambaMentality.” — US golfer Bryson DeChambeau
— “On behalf of myself, the players and staff at AS Roma, we join the rest of the sporting world in mourning the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant. Kobe was a true icon and our thoughts are now with his family and the families of all of the victims aboard that flight.” — Jim Pallotta, the owner of Italian football giants AS Roma
— “Shock right now. RIP KOBE.” — World golf number one Brooks Koepka
— “The moment you realise life ain’t something to f*** with! If you feel something tell that person! If you miss someone tell that person.. you never know when your time is up!” — Australian rugby union international Quade Cooper
— “I just found out 5 minutes ago and I still can’t believe it... Another example of how fragile life is, let’s enjoy it while we can. (And avoid helicopters until they are safer). DEP Kobe and the other 5 victims.” — Spain’s former world motorcycling champion Jorge Lorenzo
— “LA has lost one of our true superstars. Stunning to hear about the tragic and untimely death of #KobeBryant My heart goes out to his family and all the fans who will feel this loss so deeply.” — Hollywood actress Tara Buck
— “Speechless and shocked!! REST IN HEAVEN MAMBA.” — German football international Kevin-Prince Boateng. — AFP