Update (February 10, 2020): Vanessa Bryant opened up about her difficulty processing the death of both her husband and daughter Kobe and Gianna.
In a Monday morning Instagram post, the widow discussed her frustrations and struggle to come to terms with the loss of her spouse and child.
"I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me," Vanessa wrote. "It feels wrong."
Kobe and Gigi were two of nine to die in a Calabasas helicopter crash on January 26.
"Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters," Vanessa added.
Thirteen-year-old Gianna was a rising basketball star who trained at her father's Mamba Sports Academy. She was nicknamed "Mambacita" after her father. The two were on their way to a game when the helicopter crashed.
"Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with Natalia, Bianka and Capri. I know what I’m feeling is normal. It’s part of the grieving process," she continued. "I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this. God I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all."
The memorial service for Kobe, Gigi and the seven other victims will symbolically be held on February 24.
Original (January 30, 2020): Vanessa Bryant has broken her silence after her husband, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, and daughter, Gianna, were among nine people who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter accident over Calabasas earlier this week, as Blavity previously reported.
While many publicly mourned the unimaginable loss and extended sympathies for the families, others criticized the media and their coverage of the accident, noting the frequent inaccuracies and uncouth reporting.
Understandably, Bryant's family members remained quiet, until now. Vanessa made her Instagram account public and posted a smiling family portrait with a touching caption.
"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," Bryant 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."
In addition to grieving Kobe, Gianna and the seven others killed in the fatal crash, many expressed their sympathies for Vanessa, including a #PrayersforVanessa hashtag.
"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," the statement continued.
"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," the 37-year-old said. "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."
Bryant then announced that the Mamba Sports Foundation was accepting donations to help support the other families affected by the tragedy.
"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 ❤️" the post concluded.
According to The Cheat Sheet, Vanessa and Kobe met while on the set of a music video in November 1999. Vanessa was 17 at the time while Kobe was 20. By April 2001, the two were married.
