Kobe Bryant: News and tributes on the death of a legend

When news of Kobe Bryant’s death broke Sunday morning, disbelief quickly turned to grief across Southern California.

“People’s hearts are broken,” said Calabasas Mayor Alicia Weintraub, who attended an impromptu vigil at a park near the crash site. “I think it’s impacted everyone. I mean, Kobe Bryant was an institution.”

As updates and tributes came pouring in, here’s how the day unfolded.

Obituary: “From his fans, he inspired devotion. From rivals, frustration and grudging respect. For the young athletes who admired him, he spawned countless imitators.”

Thousands of overwhelmed fans chanting, “Kobe-Kobe-Kobe '' flocked to Staples Center in their Lakers gear despite warnings to steer clear while the Grammys took place inside.

Columnist Mark Whicker captured the response from another sports legend, Tiger Woods: “I grew up a die-hard Laker fan, it’s part of me, it’s all I remember. This is one of the most shocking, tragic days that I can ever remember.”

Columnist Jim Alexander described the “gut punch” fans were feeling.

Leaders of Los Angeles, for which Kobe Bryant was an unofficial ambassador for decades, expressed their shock at the loss.

Tributes poured in from athletes, celebrities and the Grammys.

We also took a look back at some of our favorite stories from the past few years:

Some of our best photos of his career
Photos: Kobe Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys retired during ceremony at Staples Center
Lakers honor Kobe Bryant one more time at jersey retirement ceremony
Kobe Bryant all smiles as LA City Council honors Lakers star
Kobe Bryant’s teammates in awe over his 60-point performance in final game
Kobe Bryant’s 60 points only begins to tell the story of his farewell game
Whicker: Kobe Bryant gets Hollywood ending
Whicker: Kobe Bryant captivates us because we watched him grow up as a Laker
Heisler: Kobe Bryant and me, the roller coaster ride of a lifetime
Kobe Bryant’s pep talk boosted Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs

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