Mourning fans gathered at the Staples Center on Monday afternoon for a celebration of  Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant's life. The event, which was aired on live television, kicked off with a powerful performance from Beyoncé.

Beyoncé opened with a performance of XO, which was followed by a rendition of Halo. Prior to beginning, the multiple-time Grammy Award winner noted that she was attending because “she loved Kobe,” and that XO was one of his favorite songs.

Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles last month at the age of 41. Sadly, all nine passengers on the flight, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, perished in the tragic accident. According to multiple reports, the group was on its way to the Mamba Sports Academy, where Kobe was to serve as a coach for his daughter's basketball team.

A five-time champion and 18-time All-Star with the Lakers, Kobe Bryant will be remembered as one of the greatest players in NBA history. In backyards and parks around the globe, aspiring young athletes mimic his fall-away jumper and competitive fire.

In honor of Kobe's passing, Nike released a touching new ad that highlights his “Mamba Mentality.” And as a sign of respect, mourning artists have painted more than 80 murals in the Los Angeles area, many of which are serving as makeshift memorials.

Bryant may be gone, but the memories and legacy he left behind will live on forever.

Join us in sending condolences to the families involved.