BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — At the home of the Boston Celtics, a flood of purple and yellow lights are paying tribute to the late Kobe Bryant.
The escalators at TD Garden have been lit up in the LA Lakers' team colors since early Monday morning, following the news of the fatal helicopter crash on Sunday that claimed the life of Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven other people.
(WBZ NewsRadio/James Rojas)
At least three victims in the helicopter crash had ties to Massachusetts. John Altobelli, a former Cape Cod Baseball League coach, his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa were also killed. Altobelli coached the Brewster Whitecaps from 2012 to 2014.
The Boston Celtics also paid tribute to Bryant during their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night. The teams both held 24-seconds of silence before the game, honoring Bryant who wore No. 24 during the second half of his career with the LA Lakers.
Boston Celtics Power forward Jayson Tatum posted a tribute to the man he called his hero and his idol.
Tom Brady posted a photo of himself with Bryant with the words "We already miss you my brother."
Paul Pierce, Kobe's former competitor on the Celtics, put out a heartbreaking tweet.
Former Pats star Rob Gronkowski called Kobe a "legend."
At Marc Anthony's concert at Agganis Arena in Boston on Sunday night, fans said the Latin superstar started by paying homage to Kobe Bryant.
The basketball star's image was projected across the back of the stage while Anthony shed tears and sang in honor of his friend.
Anthony also made several posts about the loss of Bryant shortly before he took to the stage in Boston.
During the Celtics' game, Pelicans guards Josh Hart was spotted wearing shoes honoring Bryant, with writing on the side that read "Legends Are Forever."
Outside TD Garden, WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas spoke to basketball fans about the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant.
One man said "he was one of those players you love to hate watching, because he would absolutely beat your team."
"I complete respect for him as an individual," another local said. "Great player, very classy."
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports:
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