Reaction to the death of retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant

Reaction from the basketball world and beyond to the death of retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash on Sunday:

“Words can't describe the pain I am feeling. I loved Kobe — he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply — and took great pride in his daughter's love for the game of basketball.” — Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan in a statement.

“The crash was a tragedy for multiple families. My heart goes out to Vanessa and the families that lost loved ones. Kobe was a chosen one — special in many ways to many people. Our relationship as coach/player transcended the norm. He went beyond the veil." — former Lakers coach Phil Jackson in a statement.

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“It's an unbelievable reality that he's no longer here.” — golfer Tiger Woods

“Kobe was not only an icon in the sports arena, he was a man of the world and touched so many lives and communities in the most positive ways. His star was continuing to rise every day and he knew no limits because of his many intellectual and creative talents and desire to give back to others – his passion for the game, for his family and for others was apparent in everything he accomplished.” — Basketball Hall of Famer Larry Bird in a statement

“It's just a huge loss to the game. He was a great example on a lot of different stages.” — rapper Rick Ross at the Grammy Awards.

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These thoughts came from Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Russell via Twitter:

President Trump added his condolences via Twitter:

Former President Barack Obama also expressed his feelings via Twitter:

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“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning. He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals. But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna." — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a statement

Actress Reese Witherspoon presented her feelings via Twitter:

Rev. Jesse Jackson Tweeted his thoughts:

Robert Iger, chairman and CEO of Disney, via Twitter:

Rapper Wyclef Jean responded this way via Twitter:

Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas expressed his feelings via Twitter:

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Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles mayor, via Twitter:

 The Associated Press contributed to this article.