"Kobe Bryant was a giant who inspired, amazed, and thrilled people everywhere with his incomparable skill on the court - and awed us with his intellect and humility as a father, husband, creative genius, and ambassador for the game he loved," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted.

"He will live forever in the heart of Los Angeles, and will be remembered through the ages as one of our greatest heroes. This is a moment that leaves us struggling to find words that express the magnitude of shock and sorrow we are all feeling right now, and I am keeping Kobe's entire family in my prayers at this time of unimaginable grief," Garcetti said.

The Grammy Awards are set to be held later Sunday at Staples Center, where Bryant played in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers. During the pre-telecast for the Grammy Awards, a moment of silence was held for Bryant.

"As most of you may know, we lost Kobe Bryant in a tragic helicopter accident today," said interim Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. "Since we are in his house, I would ask you to join me in a moment of silence."

NBA athletes, officials and fans mourned the loss of Bryant, who was considered one of basketball's greatest players of all time.

On Saturday night, Bryant tweeted his congratulations to LeBron James after he surpassed Bryant on the NBA's all-time scoring list, his last tweet.

【体坛英语资讯：Spotlight: NBA legend Kobe Bryant killed in California helicopter crash】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Li Na wins as Peng Shuai crashes

★ 体坛资讯：Iran tops group of death, beating China 77-68

★ 体坛英语资讯：Government cooperation needed in doping fight

★ 体坛英语资讯：Austrian goalkeeper Payer to miss UEFA 2008 due to illness

★ 体坛英语资讯：France visit Italy for revenge, England in peril

★ 体坛英语资讯：Davenport stung by one-sided Cup loss

★ 体坛资讯：Fatherhood will make Woods even better says Parnevik

★ 体坛英语资讯：Embattled Chinese womens coach tries to keep grip

★ 体坛英语资讯：Olympic torch relay starts in Nagano

★ 体坛英语资讯：Seeded players raise US Open heat