Christian leaders react to Kobe Bryant, Gigi Bryant death: 'Praying for God’s presence'

Kobe Bryant, the NBA star who had a 20-year career with the Lakers, was tragically killed Sunday when the helicopter he was traveling in crashed and burst into flames in Calabasas, California. His daughter Gianna, aka “Gigi,” 13, was also on board and died along with seven others, TMZ first reported.

The 41-year-old athlete, who won five NBA titles in his time with the Lakers, as well as two Olympic gold medals playing for the United States throughout his storied career, was on his way to a travel basketball game with his daughter when the helicopter crashed. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in a news conference there were no survivors, and according to the flight manifest, there were nine people on board the helicopter.

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Following the news of the accident, Christian celebrities, pastors and other leaders in the faith community took to social media to express their shock and sorrow. From Lecrae to TobyMac, here are nine Christian leaders who reacted to the news of Bryant’s death.