Kobe's Enduring Legacy

With Kobe Bryant’s tragic death, the world lost one of the greatest sports legends of all time. But his good works and generous spirit are still making a difference.

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In the wake of Kobe Bryant’s shocking death in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif., on Jan. 26, the world mourned the untimely passing of a basketball legend whose spectacular career made him an international star. But in the years since his retirement in 2016, Kobe, 41, had embarked on a new chapter as a businessman, brand-builder, philanthropist and mentor to aspiring athletes — and was well on his way to creating a lasting legacy far beyond the sport. “Kobe was a legend on the court,” former President Barack Obama tweeted shortly after the “heartbreaking” tragedy, which also claimed the life of his daughter Gianna, 13. “[He] was just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act.”

GUIDING LIGHT