Kobe Bryant's father Joe Bryant dies at 69, four years after his son was killed in helicopter crash

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s father Joe Bryant has died at the age of 69 after suffering from a huge stroke.

As per the Philadelphia Inquirer, the La Salle University head coach Fran Dunphy shared details about his death on Tuesday, July 16.

John Cox, Bryant’s nephew, said in a statement, “Heartbroken by the sudden loss of my uncle. He was a basketball icon in the city of Philadelphia and someone I grew up admiring. The impact he has made both here at La Salle and in the Philly basketball community will be felt for years to come.”

Joe Bryant was a successful NBA player

Joe himself was a great NBA star who was the first-round draft pick of the Golden State Warriors in 1975. He was sold to the Warriors, followed by move to the 76ers less than four months later.

Bryant played four seasons for his home team after coming off the bench for the Sixers’ 1976-77 team and went on to play the NBA Finals.

Four-and-a-half years ago, his son Kobe and his granddaughter Gianni, along with seven other people, died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.

The father-and-son-duo were quite close and often celebrated their success together.

Fans pay respect to Kobe Bryant's father Joe Bryant after his death

Internet praised Joe Bryant for giving right values to Kobe. Many referred to both of them as legends as they offered condolences to Bryants family.

A person shared on X, “RIP to Kobe’s dad. It’s sad that they weren’t able to resolve their issues before both of them left the world 😔”

"2 legends just died RIP daddy kobe," the second said.

One shared, "Joe Bryant, a former NBA player and father of Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 69 after succumbing to a stroke…."

"Oh my gosh that’s terrible. RIP to Joe Bryant. I hope him and Kobe were able to squash whatever beef they had before his son passed🙏🏾" a fan felt.

"Sad day, he raised a fine son. Kobe was a one of a kind!" one person shared. 

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