Kobe Bryant’s Widow Breaks Silence Following Helicopter Crash That Killed Her Husband And Daughter

Vanessa Bryant/Instagram

It’s been three days since NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others perished in a helicopter crash in California. Wednesday evening Bryant’s widow spoke out for the first time since the accident.

Vanessa Bryant, who has been married to the NBA Legend for 19 years, posted to Instagram and thanked fans for their prayers and outpouring of support.

“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,” she wrote.

Vanessa continued by getting candid about the grief that she is experiencing, saying, “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.”

“There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now,” she added. “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.”

Vanessa’s statement made it clear that she, her daughters and the other families affected by this unthinkable tragedy have a long road ahead of them. “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.”

The statement concluded with the announcement that a fund has been set up in honor of Kobe to help support the other families who lost loved ones. To donate to the Mamba On Three Fund, click here. And, to contribute to the Mamba Sports Foundation, a foundation set up by Kobe to further the cause of youth sports, click here.

In addition to the Bryants, Gianna’s 13-year-old teammates Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester and their parents Keri Altobelli, John Altobelli and Sarah Chester as well as assistant coach Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan died in the crash.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all of the families involved in this tragedy.