In an Instagram post, Vanessa Bryant, the wife of Kobe and mother of Gianna, issued her first statement since the tragic helicopter crash on Sunday.
The post read, “My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them. We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.
We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately.
“There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved. We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon.
“I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them. But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way. Our love for them is endless — and that’s to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever.
“Thank you for sharing your joy, your grief and your support with us. We ask that you grant us the respect and privacy we will need to navigate this new reality.
“Thank you so much for lifting us up in your prayers, and for loving Kobe, Gigi, Natalia, Bianka, Capri and me.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B77K8XWDY7O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The final piece the fans and sports world have been waiting for in the three days since the tragedy came sooner than expected. The statement is both tear-jerking and heartbreaking. Vanessa is a woman who is just devastated by everything, as any wife and mother would be, but it is also honest, as she has three daughters who are just as lost as she is.
Kobe, Gianna, and seven others were on their way to a basketball tournament when the crash occurred. Celebrities, athletes across all sports (not just basketball), and millions of fans took to social media and the Staples Center to pay their respects for the Lakers’ legend and his daughter
