LOOK: Manny Pacquiao pays tribute to the great Kobe Bryant
Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao paid tribute to the basketball legend Kobe Bryant following the shocking news about his death on Sunday, January 26, US Eastern time.
On Monday, Manny posted a photo of him and Kobe shaking hands during one his visits in the Philippines.
He captioned, “The world lost a legend today but the impact and legacy he leaves behind will last forever! #RIPMamba.”
Kobe figured in a helicopter crash together with daughter Gianna, 13, who also died in the accident.
The news was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Twitter.
It said, "Today at 0947am, @LHSLASD assisted @LACOFD with a Helicopter Crash near the @CityofCalabasas. All we can confirm at the moment is 9 people were on board. No one survived. We at @LASDHQ offer our condolences to those families affected. @NTSB & @FAANews are on scene & investigating https://t.co/IqSIeqzZbl.”
Kobe is widely considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time--making 18-time All-Star and five-time NBA champion during his 20-year career with the Lakers.
The boxing legend has famously used a helicopter to travel for years-dating back to when he played for the Lakers.
He was survived by his wife, Vanessa. Together they have four children--Gianna, Natalia, Bianca and their newborn Capri.
They got married in 2011 after meeting in 1999.