Kobe Bryant 's father, Joe Bryant , has died. He was 69 years old.
The basketball great "recently suffered a massive stroke," La Salle head coach Fran Dunphy said Tuesday, July 16, according to a report published by The Philadelphia Inquirer .
Joe, famously nicknamed "Jellybean" in honor of his favorite candy, was a first-round pick, 14th overall, to the Golden State Warriors in 1975.
The former athlete saw a lengthy sports career in the NBA— much like his son who followed in his footsteps—having played for over eight seasons between the Philadelphia 76ers, then-San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets. He also played overseas in Europe, before becoming a head coach.
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On social media, basketball fans mourned the loss.
"RIP to Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant. When I pray today, I'm picturing Kobe playing his Dad one-on-one in Heaven," one wrote , while another sadly added , "A legacy gone."
Several more simply sent in "condolences" to the family as they deal with yet another deceased loved one.
Kobe and Joe had been close throughout the Los Angeles Lakers legend's rise to super stardom, however their relationship became strained when the late icon began dating his wife, Vanessa .
His NBA legend son and his granddaughter, Gigi , along with seven other people, died in a tragic helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020.
Joe is survived by his wife, Pamela Bryant , daughters Sharia and Shaya Bryant , and a host of grandchildren, including Kobe's three other daughters, Natalia , Bianka , and Capri .
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