Congresswoman Maxine Waters honored Kobe Bryant on the House floor, regarding him as "a king in Los Angeles," reports The Hill.  

In light of the passing of the NBA All-Star, Waters, alongside fellow California Rep. Harley Rouda, paid tribute to Bryant's legacy.  

"I stand today on behalf of the entire City of Los Angeles, and millions of fans worldwide, who are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of one of the greatest athletes we’ve ever known: Kobe Bryant," Waters said. 

"Celebrated as a king in Los Angeles, Kobe’s death is deeply painful for our city and his millions of fans everywhere," Waters said. 

On Sunday, Bryant's private helicopter crashed in Calabasas, California, as Blavity previously reported. 

News of Bryant's death, and the death of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others, spread faster than authorities could officially confirm, according to ABC News. 

The accident also claimed the lives of two of Gianna's basketball teammates, Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester; Altobelli’s parents, John and Keri; Payton’s mom, Sarah; basketball coach Christine Mauser; and helicopter pilot Ara Zobayan.

However, ABC News reports it was on Monday that the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner was prepared to release all of the identities of those involved in the crash. 

Gianna Bryant, also known as Gigi, was a middle school basketball player. Joining her on the fatal helicopter ride were some of her teammates who were heading to the Mamba Sports Academy, a fitness facility created and inspired by Kobe, for a basketball game, according to Heavy. 

Gigi was gearing herself to become a great basketball player like her father. She was on a girl's basketball team at her father's academy, proudly representing her Mamba basketball uniform. 

Kobe was also investing his time coaching his daughter and her friends a year and a half in advance. 

"I’ve got a group of great parents, a group of really, really intelligent, hardworking girls, and — they’re all seventh graders, they’re all 12 years old — but they’ve been playing so well! I play ’em up now," Bryant told ET. "They’ve been playing eighth and ninth grade, they’ve been winning tournaments. But the most important thing is they keep improving, keep getting better and they love doing it. They love being around each other.” 

Kobe and Gigi used to regularly attend basketball games together. Gigi was particularly fond of the University of Connecticut women's team, one of the nation's best in its league. She was hopeful that she would get to play for the Huskies, reports Yahoo!. 

In honor of Gigi, the team reserved an empty seat with her name on it.

"This tragic event is made worse by the death of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Bryant – a beautiful young lady who was so full of life and potential. Our hearts go out to his wife, Vanessa, surviving daughters Bianka, Natalia and Capri, relatives, teammates and friends," Waters said. 

"On behalf of the California Delegation, we lift up the names of Kobe Bryant, his beloved daughter Gianna and all the victims of this horrible tragedy in prayer and reverence and send our deepest condolences to their loved ones now and forever," Waters said. 

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