Latinos Pay Tribute to "Black Mamba" Kobe Bryant

Last Sunday, basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others died in a tragic helicopter crash.

The Black Mamba may have left this world too soon but his legacy lives on. Bryant is hailed one of the best basketball players of all time. Throughout his notable 20-year career, he won five championships, was a 17-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP, won two Olympic gold medals, won an Oscar in 2018 for his documentary "Dear Basketball," and many more.

His death shocked millions all over the world, including his Latino fans for whom the basketball legend learned to speak Spanish. Bryant who is raising half Latina daughters, forged a special connection with his Latino fans through his use of Spanish. After retiring, he took the time to once again shout out his Latino fans. "Latino fans are important to me, because when I arrived [in Los Angeles] they were the fans who most passionately embraced me," he said in Spanish. "So I told them, 'give me two or three years so that I can learn a little bit of Spanish.' Now, my Spanish is not that good, but I can speak a little."

Learning and using the language also helped him cement a friendship with Lionel Messi, who only feels comfortable speaking in Spanish. The late NBA icon revealed he learned speaking in Spanish by watching telenovela with his wife, Vanessa.

Not only his Latino fans but also his Latino colleagues across the industry expressed their sadness over his unexpected passing, according to an article by Remezcla.

Puerto Rican singer, rapper, and actress Ivy Queen posted on Instagram a photo of Kobe with his daughter. She wrote on the caption, "Beloved father, give strength to [Vanessa Bryant, who] not only lost a husband but also her daughter!" she wrote. "My soul is broken in pieces. This is a nightmare! Rest in Paradise Kobe & Gigi...

Politician and activist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter, "Deeply shocked at the news of Kobe Bryant and four others lost today. Sending all my thoughts to their families and loved ones in this devastating moment."

Meanwhile, Brazilian professional footballer Neymar symbolically raised a high 2-4 on the field during his game on Sunday. He also took to Instagram to express his shock: "A sad day for us in sports, for fans [but] especially for family and friends of Kobe's. A legend has been made with your hands, thank you for exalting the sport, Kobe... may God comfort the hearts of your family and friends."

Retired baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez, also expressed his grief on Instagram and shared how he came to know Bryant.

"We met as teenagers. We followed similar paths. We went from high school to the pros and our baby girls grew up together. People don't know this, but he was my secret coach. He pushed me and motivated me, especially toward the end of my career when I needed him most. He was always there. Even after our playing days, he was there for me. He attended @Jlo's last show in Vegas. He appeared on TheCorp podcast ."

Spanish basketball player Pau Gasol Sáez also expressed disbelief.

"Beyond devastated... my big brother... I can't, I just can't believe it," he wrote on Twitter.

Puerto Rican rappers Bad Bunny, Annuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Jon Z and Nicky Jam also took to their respective Instagram accounts their grief and admiration over the late basketball superstar.

Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa, and three other daughters, Natalia Diamante, Bianka Bella and Capri Kobe, who is only 7 months old.