Kobe Bryant dead in Helicopter crash

Love him or hate him, Kobe was a basketball legend. He and his thirteen year old daughter were killed when the helicopter in which they were riding crashed in California. According to the story, they were on their way to Thousand Oaks where Gianna was scheduled to play in a game. Seven other people were killed in the crash.
While I am not a bucketball fan, I respect Kobe in that he remained married to his wife through more than one hard time and was a father to his four daughters. He was also very intelignent, unlike many athletes who would be better served by remaining silent. Kobe was fluent in Italian and Spanish. Kobe also tried to steer clear of politics. His one mention of it was that he was raised conservative and believed in family values and small government. He was reported to be a practicing Catholic. May he rest in peace.