Kobe Bryant’s father, Joe Bryant, has died at 69.
He had a major stroke recently, said La Salle head coach Fran Dunphy on July 16, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Joe Bryant, known as “Jellybean” because he loved that candy, was a first-round NBA pick for the Golden State Warriors in 1975.
He played for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets, and also played basketball in Europe before becoming a coach.
Basketball fans are saddened by his death. One fan imagined Kobe playing basketball with his dad in heaven, while others sent condolences to the Bryant family.
Joe Bryant is remembered for his long sports career and the strong bond he had with Kobe, even though their relationship became strained when Kobe started dating Vanessa.
Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and seven others died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.
Joe is survived by his wife Pamela, his daughters Sharia and Shaya, and his grandchildren, including Kobe’s daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.
Source: Parade
https://parade.com/news/kobe-bryant-dad-joe-dead?utm_source=pushly