Vanessa Bryant has broken her silence on the death of her husband, basketball legend Kobe Bryant and their 13-year-old daughter in a tragic helicopter crash on Sunday.
WATCH: Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna killed in California helicopter crash
In an Instagram post, Vanessa thanked “the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time”, while giving a glimpse into her family’s pain.
“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,” the post read.
“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.”
Vanessa said the Mamba Sports Foundation, founded by Kobe, was setting up a fund to help support the other families affected by the crash.
“I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them,” she said.
“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.”
Earlier on today, Vanessa, who met Kobe when she was just 18-years-old and had been married to the NBA star for 19 years, changed her Instagram profile picture to one showing the basketball legend and Gianna sharing a sweet moment on the basketball court.
On Sunday, Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
The pair were two of nine people who died in the crash.
In addition to Gigi, Kobe and Vanessa are parents to Natalia Bryant, 17, Bianka Bryant, 3, and Capri Bryant, 7 months.
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