NBA fans were stunned to find out that Joe Bryant recently passed away. As one might be able to guess from his surname, Joe Bryant is the father of the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba died tragically a few years ago. The tragedy involved a helicopter accident and left several dead, including Kobe’s daughter Gianna.
While one might assume that the Bryant family has already seen more death and loss than other families, Joe Bryant’s recent death has fans feeling quite emotional. With that being said, let us take a closer look and find out more.
Joe Bryant passed away at the age of 69 years
In comparison to the unexpected death of Kobe and Gianna, Joe Bryant’s passing away might not seem as tragic. However, it can still be considered quite sad. After all, Joe Bryant was one of the main reasons that Kobe fell in love with basketball and ended up leaving his impact on the sport.
Joe Bryant, former NBA player and father of Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69, per @PhillyInquirer pic.twitter.com/shNzzUg9JO
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 16, 2024
According to the reports, Joe Bryant ended up sustaining a stroke and passed away. Given that 69 years is not the absolute end of one’s life, this is still quite a sad situation. However, fans have managed to view things positively by claiming that Joe and Kobe will reunite in heaven and have a pleasant interaction, “He is now with his son.”
He is now with his son
— Malkia Nyuki 👑🇹🇿 (@nyuki_malkia) July 16, 2024
That family has been through too much. 😢 •
— Kirk Patrick Miller (@Chaos2Cured) July 16, 2024
RIP to Joe as well as Kobe still ofc
— Bron’s Best (@LBJsBest) July 16, 2024
While discussions regarding heaven and the afterlife are simply not easy to engage in, the fact remains that fans feel some form of comfort in the possibility that Joe will meet his son and granddaughter in the afterlife. Finally, one must also wonder more about the life of Joe Bryant. After all, watching him played an instrumental role in the growth and development of Kobe Bryant.
Joe Bryant was both a father and a coach to Kobe Bryant
It is difficult for fans to comprehend the impact that having a father who played in the NBA will have on a young and upcoming athlete. Having watched his father play in the NBA and then go overseas had an undoubted impact on Kobe. He learned about the game from his father and used him as inspiration in order to find success.
Although the relationship between Kobe Bryant and his father was not perfect, Joe was truly devastated upon finding out that his son had unexpectedly died along with his granddaughter. Fans are left pondering over the afterlife and praying for the remaining members of the Bryant family.
