Vanessa Bryant Thanks Fans For Their Love In First Statement Since Kobe's Death

Vanessa Bryant, the partner of the late Kobe Bryant, has issued her first public statement since her partner and daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash last weekend.


In a Instagram post shared on Wednesday evening (January 29), Vanessa thanked the millions of fans all over the world who have shown support for her family member throughout what she called a "horrific" time.


"Thank you for all of the prayers. We certainly need them," Vanessa, who'd been wedded to Kobe since 2001, wrote. "We are totally devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring spouse, Kobe — the astonishing father of our children; and my cute, sweet Gianna — a loving, mindful, and good daughter, and astonishing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri."


Kobe, 41, and Gianna, 13, died on Sunday in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, in which none of the nine people on board survived. Vanessa wrote that she and her women were also grieving for the other victims of the crash, which included two of Gianna's teammates, three parents, an assistant coach, and the pilot. The categorize was on its way to a youth basketball game at the Mamba Sports Academy, where Kobe coached.


Earlier today, Vanessa changed her Instagram profile picture to one of Kobe embracing a young Gianna. She paired her new statement with a full family member photo, which includes herself, Kobe, and their four daughters.


"There aren't enough words to describe our pain now Vanessa's statement continued. "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 cute blessings taken from us also soon."


In her post, Vanessa also asked for privacy as she and her daughters figure out how "to navigate this new reality."


"I'm not sure what our lives hold behind today, and it's impossible to imagine life without them," she wrote. Although we wake up daily, attempting 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 mention, immeasurable. I just wish I might hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever."