MANILA – Vanessa Bryant broke her silence following the sudden deaths of her husband and basketball icon, Kobe Bryant, and 13-year-old daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash on Sunday. The legendary Lakers star was 41.
On Thursday (Manila time), Vanessa expressed grief and devastation for the loss of two “beautiful blessings taken from us too soon."
“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,” Vanessa wrote in an Instagram post of their complete family picture.
“I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them,” she said.
Vanessa said their family is incredibly blessed to have had both Kobe and Gianna. "I wish they were here with us forever,” she 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. Have them here with us, forever.”
Meanwhile, she also thanked the millions of people across the world who showed love and support for them. She acknowledged the prayers sent to her and to the Bryant family but asked the public to give them privacy at the moment.
"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."
“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.”
Vanessa also asked everyone to help and support other families involved in the tragedy by donating in MambaOnThree Fund.
“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 donate, please go to MambaOnThree.org. To further Kobe and Gianna’s legacy in youth sports, please visit MambaSportsFoundation.org.”
(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website).