Celebrities react to the sudden deaths of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna

Shockwaves continue to be felt throughout the sports world and Hollywood at large as celebrities respond to the deaths of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.

Shaquille O’Neal and Barack Obama were among the many to write tributes to the legendary NBA player. “There [are] no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece, Gigi, and my brother, @kobebryant,” Shaq tweeted after learning of Kobe and Gianna’s passing. “I love you and you will be missed,” the former Los Angeles Lakers player wrote.

Former President Barack Obama also expressed his condolences. “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act,” Obama shared with his social media fans. “To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents,” the former president added. “Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”

Kobe and Gianna are among the casualties of the helicopter crash that occurred in Calabasas on Sunday (January 26). Three of the other victims include one of Gianna’s teammates along with her parents. This is a developing story