Today, the world mourns the loss of an NBA basketball legend, Kobe Bryant. As fans flock into makeshift memorials, United States President Donald Trump also shares his sympathy and pays tribute to the late Lakers star.

While details of the crash were just emerging, the President was quick to send an initial message on Sunday afternoon. “Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!” Trump said in his post.

Later in the evening, Trump posted a longer tribute as more information become available. “Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life,” Trump wrote from his verified Twitter account. “He loved his family so much and had such a strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating….”

Trump extended his condolences as he tweeted “…..Melania and I send our warmest condolences to Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family. May God be with you all!”

Kobe Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna, 13, were tragically killed on Sunday morning when their helicopter crashed and burst into flames in the hills of Calabasas. Reports said that seven other passengers were killed including Gianna’s teammate and her guardian, while the pilot remained unidentified. According to reports by TMZ, the group was supposed to attend a basketball practice at the Mamba Academy.

The crash happened just hours after Bryant, who boasts 33,643 points, was surpassed by LeBron James in a road game against the Philidelphia 76ers on Saturday. Bryant’s last twitter post was about congratulating James’ success “Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother #33644” Bryant posted.

Pro basketball players also flocked into social media to share their condolences, and even disbelief.

Former Lakers Shaquille O’Neal, as well as Trae Young, Jayson Tatum, Dwyane Wade, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, shared their sentiments on Twitter.

As Jamal Crawford tweeted “No f——- way… no way, no way…….. No way……… No way……no way…… I love you, Kobe…”

And Ja Morant shared “this one hurt …”

As people poured in their grief on social media, thousands of Lakers fans gathered to pay tribute at the LA Live Plaza near the Staples Center. Fans could not go near the center as the current Grammy awards took place.

Others mourned at the crash site and at Bryant’s Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks where he was supposed to visit. Fans left flowers, basketballs, and sneakers in a makeshift memorial for their basketball idol. Others brought posters, photos, and even wreaths. Moreover, all shed a tear as they mourn Bryant’s untimely death.

In a statement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with absolute devotion to winning. He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with legendary accomplishments.”

Silver added “But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share with future generations of players.”