As we continue to wrap our heads around the sudden death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who died on Sunday in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, many are reflecting on Bryant’s faith which helped him through one of the most challenging periods of his life.

The former Laker was raised in a Catholic household. He married his wife, Vanessa at a Catholic parish in Southern California. They regularly attended a church in Orange County, California, Catholic News Agency reports.

Two years after he married Vanessa, they had their first child. Bryant’s basketball career was booming, he had a series of major endorsements – he was on top of the world. Then, it all came crashing down.

In 2003, Bryant was accused of raping a woman in his hotel room. He admitted to having sex with the woman but denied rape. His charges were eventually dropped, but the woman went on to a file a civil lawsuit which was settled outside of court. Following all of this, Bryant issued a public apology. He shared how ashamed he was of what he had done.

Following the accusations, sponsors dropped him and his reputation was tarnished. In 2011, his wife filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. During one of the most difficult periods of his life, Bryant turned to his Catholic Faith.

In a 2015 interview with GQ, he explained how God turned his life around:

“The one thing that really helped me during that process — I’m Catholic, I grew up Catholic, my kids are Catholic — was talking to a priest. It was actually kind of funny: He looks at me and says, ‘Did you do it?’ And I say, ‘Of course not.’ Then he asks, ‘Do you have a good lawyer?’ And I’m like, ‘Uh, yeah, he’s phenomenal.’ So then he just said, ‘Let it go. Move on. God’s not going to give you anything you can’t handle, and it’s in his hands now. This is something you can’t control. So let it go.’ And that was the turning point.”

He also shared that he was determined to fight for his marriage.

“I’m not going to say our marriage is perfect, by any stretch of the imagination,” Kobe told GQ. “We still fight, just like every married couple. But you know, my reputation as an athlete is that I’m extremely determined, and that I will work my a** off. How could I do that in my professional life if I wasn’t like that in my personal life, when it affects my kids? It wouldn’t make any sense.”

After some tumultuous years, Bryant and his wife reconciled and decided to stay together. They had four children together.

His faith also played a big role in his family’s charitable giving. They started the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation to give back, with a major focus on helping the homeless and young people in need.

A 2012 Los Angeles Times profile of Bryant’s work with the homeless gave a glimpse of Bryant’s heart.

“Bryant was quick to acknowledge that everyone has made poor choices in their life, including himself. He said that’s no justification for people to turn their backs on those who have been reduced to what he called ‘white noise.’”

Prayers and condolences have been flooding in on social media from former teammates and colleagues, friends, celebrities and fans around the world. Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez also issued his condolences on Sunday.

So very sad to hear the news of #KobeBryant’s tragic death this morning. I am praying for him and his family. May he rest in peace and may our Blessed Mother Mary bring comfort to his loved ones. #KobeBryantRIP pic.twitter.com/QYMRL7RvCL

— Abp. José H. Gomez (@ArchbishopGomez) January 26, 2020

The couple’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was also killed in the helicopter crash that took Bryant’s life and the lives of seven others. He is survived by his wife and three of their daughters.

Bryant was 41.