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Central Georgia athletes, coaches react to deaths of Kobe Bryant and his daughter

Athletes and coaches with Central Georgia ties paid their respects after hearing the heartbreaking news on Sunday.

MACON, Ga. — NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and others were killed Sunday in a helicopter crash in Southern California. 

Bryant was 41, and his daughter, Gianna Maria, was just 13.

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Athletes with Central Georgia ties expressed their condolences over social media.

Macon native and Westside High School graduate Kareem Jackson of the Denver Broncos sent prayers to the Bryant family. He said on Twitter "this is the saddest [he's] been in a long time."

Former NFL punter Marquette King, who attended Rutland High School in Macon and went on to play football at Fort Valley State University, tweeted his emotions after hearing of Bryant's passing.

Pittsburgh Steelers player and Warner Robins native Steve Nelson showed his disbelief after the news broke.

Fort Valley native and Charlotte Hornets player Ahmed Hill also sounded off on Twitter.

For one Central Georgia coach, Bryant's death hits close to home.

Coach James Lunsford down at Georgia Military College Prep coached at basketball camps for Michael Jordan out in Santa Barbara, where Bryant would come and participate. 

"I think that one of the things that you learn about all these guys is that they're meticulous about doing things right. In our sessions, he was always talking to the guys about doing things right. I just think he's a great player. He's one of the ones, one of the great players right up there with Michael and the other top players," Lunsford said.

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