Kobe Bryant’s father, Joe Bryant, has died at the age of 69.
The former coach and basketball player is said to have recently suffered a “massive stroke”.
Joe Bryant has died four and a half years after the untimely deaths of his 13-year-old granddaughter Gigi and 41-year-old son Kobe.
After retirement, Bryant played for elite NBA teams including the 76ers, Clippers, and Rockets.
The 6′ 9″ forward was selected by the NBA in the first round of the 1975 NBA Draft.
He has the most professional achievements in Europe outside the NBA.
During his coaching tenure, he led teams in the US, Japan, and Thailand, including the WNBA’s LA Sparks.
Because Bryant loved sweets so much, he was known as “Jellybean”.
Positive comments about the adored character have already started pouring in.
The post on X read: “We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant.” La Salle University was Bryant’s college basketball team.
From 1993 to 1996, Joe and I were co-coaches. The Explorers were his team from 1973 to 1975.
“He was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be greatly missed.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Joe Bryant and his son Kobe were close when Kobe was younger, but once Kobe joined the Los Angeles Lakers, their relationship soured.
Regarding Kobe’s passing in 2020, Bryant Sr. remained silent.
Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and seven other passengers were killed in January 2020 when their helicopter crashed in Calabasas, California.
Joe Bryant’s death is another heartbreaking chapter in the story of the Bryant family, following the tragic deaths of his son Kobe and granddaughter Gianna. A respected figure in both professional basketball and coaching, Joe was known not only for his basketball prowess but also for his warmth and generosity. His unexpected death at the age of 69 following a massive stroke is a significant loss to the basketball community, especially those who knew him during his playing and coaching years.
Although Joe’s relationship with Kobe reportedly soured in later years, the bond they shared in Kobe’s early life was undeniable. Despite the family’s private issues, Joe and Kobe Bryant’s legacy continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world. As the world mourns Joe’s death, it shares a sense of loss not only for the Bryant family but for the countless lives Joe touched throughout his career. His contributions to basketball and the memories he made with his family will live on and keep his spirit alive in the hearts of those who admired him.