Kobe Bryant’s widow has broken her silence after the loss of her husband and daughter with an emotional outpouring on Instagram.
Vanessa Bryant says she “can’t describe the pain right now,” but paid thanks to “the millions of people” who have shown their support following her double tragic loss.
NBA legend Kobe and their 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine people who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash in foggy conditions over Calabasas, California at the weekend.
Vanessa, 37, posted a heartbreaking photo of herself with Kobe and their family to accompany the powerful message, already liked by 5 million people.
She wrote: “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.”
Vanessa went on to write that she was thankful for all the messages and reading about the joy that Kobe and Gianna brought to other people’s lives.
She continued: “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.”
Vanessa revealed that she wanted to help others affected by the tragedy with a fund set up for donations.
She added: “To honor our Team Mamba family, the Mamba Sports Foundation has set up the MambaOnThree Fund to help support the other families affected by this tragedy.
“To further Kobe and Gianna’s legacy in youth sports, please visit MambaSportsFoundation.org.”
Vanessa signed off the Instagram post by writing: “Thank you so much for lifting us up in your prayers, and for loving Kobe, Gigi, Natalia, Bianka, Capri and me. #Mamba #Mambacita #GirlsDad #DaddysGirls #Family.”