Democratic presidential hopeful and former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg Pete ButtigiegBipartisan praise pours in after Ginsburg's death Bogeymen of the far left deserve a place in any Biden administration Overnight Defense: Woodward book causes new firestorm | Book says Trump lashed out at generals, told Woodward about secret weapons system | US withdrawing thousands of troops from Iraq MORE reacted to the news of basketball legend Kobe Bryant's death on Sunday, saying all of America is "united in mourning" his passing.

“It’s shocking and I think we’re all still in shock about what happened, and it’s a reminder that our lives are often touched by people we don’t even meet," Buttigieg told journalist Chris Wallace Christopher (Chris) WallaceThe Memo: Media accused of using kid-gloves on Biden Biden town hall draws 3.3 million viewers for CNN Gates says travel ban made COVID-19 worse in US MORE at a Fox News town hall in Des Moines, Iowa.

"There are millions of people, not just in Los Angeles, but around the world right now, mourning because they were inspired by what he did on the field, what he meant off the field," he continued.

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"It's also, of course, such a tough human moment to think about, that he was spending time with his daughter," he said. "Her loss is unthinkable, as is that of everybody who was on that helicopter, and I think that all of America is united in mourning and sending our love and our thoughts, and of course our prayers to all of the families."

Bryant, 41, and his daughter, Gianna, 13, were killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday outside of Los Angeles.

Officials said that Bryant and his daughter were passengers aboard a helicopter that crashed in the Los Angeles County suburb of Calabasas. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's office said all nine passengers aboard the helicopter died.

A number of other politicians, including President Trump Donald John TrumpUS reimposes UN sanctions on Iran amid increasing tensions Jeff Flake: Republicans 'should hold the same position' on SCOTUS vacancy as 2016 Trump supporters chant 'Fill that seat' at North Carolina rally MORE and former President Obama, tweeted their condolences in the wake of Bryant's death on Sunday.

Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2020

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Buttigieg's fellow Democratic contenders, including former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenMomentum growing among Republicans for Supreme Court vote before Election Day Trump expects to nominate woman to replace Ginsburg next week Video of Lindsey Graham arguing against nominating a Supreme Court justice in an election year goes viral MORE and businessman Andrew Yang Andrew YangDoctor who allegedly assaulted Evelyn Yang arrested on federal charges The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden weighs in on police shootings | Who's moderating the debates | Trump trails in post-convention polls Buttigieg launches his own podcast MORE also commented on Bryant's death.

Jill and I are sending our prayers to the Bryant family and to everyone who lost loved ones in today’s crash. It’s a reminder of how special — and fragile — life is. And it’s a reminder that we’ve got to make every day count. — Joe Biden (Text Join to 30330) (@JoeBiden) January 26, 2020