Kobe Bryant's death leaves sports world stunned

Jan 26, 2020; New York, New York, USA; Tribute to former Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant, before the start of NBA basketball game between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - The sporting world was plunged into mourning on Sunday as news of Kobe Bryant's death in a helicopter crash spread leaving the rich and famous, presidents, Hall of Famers and ordinary fans stunned.

A true global superstar, the depth of Bryant's popularity quickly surfaced as reports were confirmed that the Los Angeles Lakers great had been killed along with his daughter Gianna and seven others when his helicopter crashed in a remote field near the city of Calabasas.