L-R: Late Kobe Bryant and Barack Obama

Former president and avid basketball fan Barack Obama paid his condolences to the Bryant family following the tragic death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

In his own words on Twitter, he described Kobe as a legend, adding that, it was heartbreaking he died with his daughter, Gianna on Sunday morning.

“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,” he tweeted.

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The five-time NBA champion died in a helicopter crash alongside eight others in Calabasas, California, on Sunday, the city said.

The NBA confirmed that Bryant’s 13-year old daughter, Gianna, also died in the crash.