Vanessa Bryant made her first public statement since her husband Kobe Bryant, and 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Bryant, died in a fatal helicopter clash on Monday. Bryan posted a still of the whole family on her Instagram profile and captioned it with words that evoked a sense of poignancy, loss, love, and strength.
Her statement, which can be read full on her Instagram profile, reads:
“My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time,” Bryant wrote. “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.”
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Bryant also offered her condolences to the families of the other seven people who died in that accident. She wrote, “We share in their grief intimately. There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now.”
Vanessa made her Instagram profile private soon after the crash, but on Wednesday the account was back to the public with a changed profile picture, which has Kobe Bryant holding his daughter Gianna in his arms.
Kobe Bryant’s beloved Los Angeles Lakers, where he spent his entire 20-year playing career in the NBA, are yet to return to action since his death. The game between Lakers and cross-city rivals Los Angeles Clippers was postponed due to the unforeseen circumstances.
But the Showtime are expected to return to action this Saturday when they host Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Centre. Clippers, meanwhile, will be playing Sacramento Kings on Friday (Both IST).
