As we’re all painfully aware, tragedy stuck the world once again today as reports have flooded in confirming that 41-year-old Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant’s life was cut short in a devastating helicopter crash.
Media outlets were unsure of the final death toll surrounding the crash, with early reports indicating that 4 additional people lost their lives in the accident in addition to Kobe, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Bryant — as the flight was en route to a basketball game.
Since the original reporting, the flight’s manifest has indicated that a total of nine people were actually on the helicopter, including Bryant and his daughter, all of which also lost their lives. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has stated that nine bodies were believed to have been found at the scene of the crash, eight passengers and one pilot.
Death toll in helicopter crash that claimed the life of Kobe Bryant rises to 9, official says. https://t.co/L0RbQDBRt1
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 26, 2020
As expected, many prominent figures across the United States and around the world have taken to social media to express their shock, sadness, and condolences in the wake of the terrible tragedy that took so many lives too soon.
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Former president of the United States, Barack Obama, wrote on his Twitter account on behalf of himself and his wife Michelle, “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”
Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 26, 2020
It was truly a heartfelt expression or heartbreak and condolences to those affected by the horrendous and untimely tragedy.
The current president’s statement, however, was starkly different. And certainly not in a good way.
Trump took to his Twitter account on the heels of the reports of the accident to refer to the tragedy as “terrible news” and push out incorrect information because evidently he can’t even take the time to make sure that what he’s saying is even true.
“Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!” Trump’s ignorant and misinformed tweet read.
Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2020
Frankly, as much time as he spends on Twitter it shouldn’t be difficult to get his damn facts straight. But nevertheless, here we are.
Trump doesn’t care about the facts anymore than he cares about Bryant’s death or that of the other eight people on the flight. Trump cares about Trump. Always has. Always will.
Update: Trump has since tweeted further condolences to the Bryant family on behalf of himself and Melania.
Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2020
…..Melania and I send our warmest condolences to Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family. May God be with you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2020
Featured image via Political Tribune gallery
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