Vanessa Bryant released her first statement since the helicopter crash that killed her husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant.
Vanessa, 37, reacted to the death of the legendary Los Angeles Lakers player Wednesday evening in a lengthy Instagram post, the first public message about the accident since the Sunday morning crash.
“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,” she said.
Kobe, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were traveling in a helicopter with seven other people when it suddenly crashed in Calabasas, California, on Sunday, killing all on board.
“We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately,” Bryant said. “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.”
“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,” she added.
Kobe made 18 All-Star Game appearances during his two decades with the Lakers. He was a first-round draft pick in 1996 and, during his time in the NBA, his team won five championships.
He leaves behind Vanessa Bryant and three daughters, the youngest of which was born in June of last year.
