NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement following the deaths of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Sunday in a helicopter crash.

Bryant was 41.

“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.

“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning. He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals. 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 it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”

Bryant was traveling with Gianna to a basketball practice at the Mamba Academy at the time of the crash.

Tributes came from all corners of the sports world after Bryant’s death, which included moments of silence and violations of the 24-second shot clock to honor Bryant, who wore No. 24 the second half of his career.