Whoopi Goldberg of 'The View' Paid Tribute to Late Kobe Bryant in Tweet & Called Him a Hero to Many

The news that Los Angeles Lakers alum Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash affected many people across the globe. Whoopi Goldberg was one of the celebrities who took to social media to pay tribute to the star.

Goldberg reacted to the news that the NBA legend died on January 26, 2020, when the aircraft he was traveling in crashed into the hills in Calabasas, California. Taking to Twitter, “The View’s” co-host wrote:

“RIP Kobe, hero to many including my grandson, extraordinary athlete and always kind to me & my family. My deepest condolences to his family.”

Kobe died with his teen daughter

Losing the former athlete was already hard enough for most people, but Kobe, 41, also died with his daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant in the crash. The upcoming basketball star was only 13-years-old.

Seven other people also died in the accident along with the pilot. During Monday’s episode of “The View,” the co-hosts mourned the unexpected deaths.

“Live each day to the fullest”

During the segment, Goldberg said: "…When people say you have to live each day to the fullest, this is what they mean." Joy Behar couldn’t believe how young Kobe was at the time of his death.

Sunny Hostin’s daughter knew Gianna

Sunny Hostin revealed that the tragedy had hit her family quite hard, as her 13-year-old daughter had known the NBA star's daughter through basketball. She also honored him for his advocacy for girls and women in sports.

Where was the plane traveling to

The crash occurred while Kobe was traveling to Gianna's basketball game at her father's Mamba Sports Academy. The late star had been her team's coach for the past two years.

Who else died in the crash

The plane had been flying in dense fog when the incident happened. Three of the seven other passengers who passed away were children.

Fog caused the incident

According to “The Los Angeles Times,” the helicopter crash occurred before 10 a.m. local time near Las Virgenes Road, south of Agoura Road. The foggy conditions caused the plane to crash in the hills above Calabasas before it burst into flames.

Who survived Kobe

Kobe and Gianna are survived by wife and mother, Vanessa, and daughters and sisters Natalia, Bianca, and Capri. The Bryant family was only joined by baby Capri in June 2019.