Image via Complex Original
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This is why we CAN have nice things. Even though the powers of Twitter and Kobe Bryant are sometimes used for devilish purposes, positive things are capable of coming out of them. Early this morning, Twitter and Kobe came together to help a grieving family. Vincent Ireland, a 17-year-old from Texas, was tragically killed in a violent car accident on Sunday. Bryant got wind of the news, and tweeted a message in his memory:
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Beyond heart breaking to lose those we love and care for. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all #RIPVincent
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 30, 2015
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Vincent's friends and family quickly took notice, and responded to Bryant with a simple request.
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@kobebryant I luv U man UR the best U have made my whole life 4 this words cannot explain. Will U PLZ sign the jersey 4 his mom? #RIPVincent
— Jose (@twitertweet6) April 30, 2015
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everyone RT to get @kobebryant to sign it for Vincent #RIPVincent pic.twitter.com/hTxppq5l5g
— Jose (@twitertweet6) April 29, 2015
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Kobe checked his mentions, and promised to make good on Jose's ask for Vincent's mother.
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Absolutely. I will handle it #RIPVincent https://t.co/nWuH2TrQNu
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 30, 2015
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She was left "speechless" by Kobe's gesture, while Vincent's friends were batshit excited.
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His mom's response! 🙏😭 pic.twitter.com/azaeyLlMVf
— PG (@THEOFFICIAL_PG) April 30, 2015
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VINCENT GOTTA BE WHIPPING IN HEAVEN RN THANKS TO KOBE
— Coughy (@ThornsTristian) April 30, 2015
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Hopefully Vincent's family and Kobe will be able to share a moment sometime soon. Tweeting and signing a jersey—small deeds for Kobe, relative to what he does in his life—can go a long way helping a distraught community overcome their loss. Good to see the Mamba reach out like this.
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[via Eye on Basketball]