Former NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Maria Onore Bryant, along with seven others, were killed in a helicopter crash near Calabasas on Sunday, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office. Several Sacramento leaders released statements and took to social media Sunday to express their shock and sadness over Bryant’s untimely death. Gov. Gavin Newsom and first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom released a statement that read:“We mourn the tragic and untimely death of a California icon and basketball legend, Kobe Bryant. In his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he made history with raw talent and unparalleled dedication that raised the bar and paved the way for a newer generation of players.“Despite winning five NBA championships and two gold Olympic medals, and achieving countless accolades in the athletics world, he also helped improve the lives of youth and families through the Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Bryant Foundation, and was an outspoken advocate for combating homelessness through partnerships with organizations such as My Friend’s Place and Step Up on Second.“Our deepest condolences go to his wife, family, colleagues, friends and fans. He was taken too soon and he will be missed.”Along with the statement released earlier, Gov. Newsom also said in a tweet that Bryant “raised the bar for every player” and “willed his team to triumphs.”Vivek Ranadivé, Sacramento Kings chairman and CEO, released a statement shortly after the news of Bryant’s death was released. Ranadivé’s statement reads in part: “Today, the world mourns the loss of a legend. We are all extremely devastated and saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. “Kobe is one of the greatest competitors the NBA has ever known. His storied career and commitment to the game is revered by fans around the globe. He inspired a generation on and off the court to strive for greatness and his countless contributions to basketball will live on.”Sacramento Mayor Darrel Steinberg said in a tweet that Bryant was a “true NBA icon, both on and off the court, and inspired our own Sacramento Kings team and fans by his amazing play for the rival Lakers.”Sen. Kamala Harris called Bryant “one of California’s most brilliant icons.” “So difficult to process the loss of someone with so much more life to live,” said councilwoman Angelique Ashby. Sen. Dianne Fienstein tweeted about the sadness she felt when she heard about the crash.