Grammy Awards To Pay Tribute To Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant In Tonight's Ceremony

Jan 27, 2020 by apost team

Tonight's Grammy Awards will feature a tribute to basketball legend Kobe Bryant, following news of his death earlier today. 

Bryant, 41, along with his daughter Gianna, 13, died in a devastating helicopter crash along with another six passengers and their pilot. 

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the basketball star was traveling on an S-76 helicopter Sunday morning when it crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California, as per the Washington Post. TMZ reports the group was en route to Mamba Academy near Thousand Oaks, California, for basketball practice when the helicopter crashed. 

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by local authorities, but eyewitnesses tell TMZ they “heard the helicopter's engine sputtering” before it crashed. 

apost.com

Grammy producers are now "working quickly" to add a tribute to the basketball legend to tonight's Awards Ceremony, as per Billboard. 

The event was opened by a moment of silence led by Interim Recording Academy chief and board chair Harvey Mason at the Premiere ceremony. 

“Since we are in his house I would ask you to join me in a moment of silence," Mason said. 

Many prominent figures have come forward to pay their respects to Bryant, including former President of the United States Barack Obama.

"Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act," Obama said.

"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."

A memorial for Bryant has already been erected outside of the Staples Center, where the star played for many years.

He is survived by his wife Vanessa, whom he married in 2001, and their other three daughters. 

Our deepest condolences go out to the Bryant family. Make sure you pass this along to your friends and family.