It has been a rough few days since the untimely passing of Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and 7 others on Sunday, Jan 25. Basketball fans and fans of Kobe from across the world have taken to social media to send condolences to the families of those lost in the helicopter crash, as well as sharing how Kobe’s impact reached far beyond the court.

Earlier today, Jan 29, Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram to share a photo of herself, Kobe, and their four daughters: Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, and Capri, along with a message where the thanked the millions of people who showed her and the other families support during this time.

“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.”

Vanessa adds that the Mamba Sports Foundation has set up a fund called MambaOnThree, which will help support the other families affected by the incident.

Along with sharing the heartfelt message, Vanessa also unlocked her previously private Instagram account as well as changing her profile picture to a photo of Kobe and Gianna.

The post Vanessa Bryant Releases First Statement Since Kobe and Gianna’s Deaths appeared first on The Source.

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