Vanessa Bryant Speaks Out On Loss of Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gigi

It’s been a little over two weeks since the death of NBC legend and former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, 41, his daughter, Gianna (Gigi) 13, and seven other souls, all of whom died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. on January 26. Now, Bryant’s widow and Gianna’s mother, Vanessa Bryant, is sharing her emotions.

Vanessa Bryant Opens Up

Bryant revealed her tremendous pain via a post on Instagram. “I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words,” Vanessa posted in her social media account. “My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone.

“I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity ?!

“I’m so mad,” Vanessa continued. “[Gigi] had so much life to live. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters. Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with Natalia, Bianka and Capri. I know what I’m feeling is normal. It’s part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this. God I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy.”

Paying Respect

Details for a public memorial for Bryant have been announced. There will be a service at the Staples Center in Los Angles on Thursday, February 20 at 10 a.m. (Details to follow.) Some of the numbers in that date are of special significance to the Bryant family. “# 2, # 24, # 20 years as a Laker and the amount of years Kob and I were together.”

The names of the other people who perished in the helicopter crash are Payton Chester, 13; Alyssa Altobelli, 14; Keri Altobelli, 46; Christina Mauser, 38, John Altobelli, 56; Sarah Chester, 45; and the pilot, Ara Zobayan, 50.