#Trending on Twitter- Week 3

Yesterday morning in Calabasas, California, a helicopter carrying former NBA star Kobe Bryant and eight others crashed, killing all passengers aboard. The announcement has both shocked and devastated millions. The hashtag #Kobe is trending rapidly on Twitter at this time as the whole world grieves the loss of not only a remarkable basketball player, but a father, husband, and friend. Most of the tweets trending under #Kobe are not very long, but instead short, sympathetic, and compassionate messages paying respect to the former Lakers player as well as the other eight aboard, including his 13-year-old daughter Gigi. Although mourning for the helicopter crash victims is appearing everywhere, both on and off the courts, it is remarkable to see how many Twitter users have come together during this time to support both the Bryant family and one another as they grieve. Rest in peace to Kobe Bryant, Gianna Maria Onore, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Ara Zobayan, and Christina Mauser— and deepest condolences to their loved ones at this difficult time.