Celebrities pay tribute to Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna on first anniversary of their death

A host of stars have paid tribute to basketball player Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, also known as Gigi, one year after they died in a tragic helicopter accident in California.

The Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard and his daughter, 13, who also played basketball, were on their way to a practice when the helicopter crashed on January 26, 2020, killing them and seven others.

On the anniversary of their death, dozens of celebrities posted heartfelt tributes to their memory.

Magic Johnson, Michael B Jordan, Viola Davis and Ice Cube were among the many famous names in the sports and entertainment industries who posted on social media about the pair.

In a series of tweets, fellow Lakers star Earvin "Magic" Johnson paid homage to his friend, whose self-given nickname was Black Mamba.

"Thank you God for allowing me enjoy Kobe Bryant for 20 years as a great basketball player, athlete, husband, father, philanthropist, mentor and teacher of the game to many men & women of all ages," Johnson wrote in one.

"This morning I prayed for Vanessa Bryant and the girls," he said in another, referring to Kobe's widow and his three other daughters, Natalia, 18, Bianka, 4, and Capri,1.

Black Panther actor Jordan also wrote a heartfelt caption on Instagram, as he posted a poignant photograph of the father and daughter together.

"Sending love and healing energy to the Bryant family," he wrote. "Rest in Power. You’ll never be forgotten. #mamba".

How to Get Away with Murder actress Davis shared the same photograph on Instagram, writing in the caption: "Missed and loved. Heart goes out to Vanessa and family today."

Baseball player Alex Rodriguez posted a compilation video and lengthy tribute on his Instagram account.

"I can’t believe it’s been one year since we experienced the tragic loss of my brother, my friend," he began. "Kobe was so much more than just a basketball player and he was destined for even more greatness."

He also paid tribute to Gigi and the other passengers who lost their lives that day. "Today, and really everyday, remember that our time is short. Hug your loved ones. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Work hard and remember to smile."

Meanwhile, rapper, actor and sports fan Ice Cube also posted on Twitter. "We all miss you Kobe," he wrote.

The Natural Born Killaz singer posted a photo of himself with Kobe from the Lakers victory parade in 2002.

Maria Shriver, journalist, author and member of the Kennedy family, asked her 818,000 followers to remember Kobe and the eight other people who lost their lives in the accident.

She wrote: "Let’s be gentle today and in all of their honour, let’s lift each other up today in whatever way we can. #mambaforever."

Other stars to pay tribute include actor Mario Lopez, former Chicago Bulls player Scottie Pippen and actress Olivia Munn.

It wasn't just friends who publicly paid tribute, either. Kobe's wife and Gigi's mother Vanessa also took to Instagram to share a letter she had received from one of her daughter's best friends.

"Thank you so much for beautifully sharing some of your memories of my Gigi with me," she wrote. "My Gigi is incredible and I truly appreciate your thoughtful letter. She loves you so much.

"I miss my baby girl and Kob-Kob so much, too. I will never understand why / how this tragedy could’ve happened to such beautiful, kind and amazing human beings. It still doesn’t seem real. Kob, we did it right. Gigi, you still make mommy proud. I love you!"