john, carrie, alyssa, sarah, payton chester, coach christina mauser, all killed.ll as the pilot, ara zobayan. >> she really took a lot of pride in being there for those girls. and she absolutely adored them. and i was so proud of her. i said, christina, you're doing something that no other person in the world is doing, you're coaching basketball with kobe. and i'm so proud of you. i hope i said i love you. i hope i said i love you, i don't know. >> reporter: the news of kobe's death stunning, leaving fans around the world devastated. the legend of kobe bryant began when he was just 17. >> it's important to remember that one of the reasons why kobe bryant is so loved in los angeles is because we were not -- we kind of viewed him as a child star. >> reporter: he talked to barbara walters about his decision to go pro. >> you were a very good student gone on to college, you decided not to. why did you pass on college? >> i just saw the nba being such a challenge. such a thrill for myself. but at the same time, i could still play in the nba, still get my education. >>