Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa breaks silence: "We are devastated... I wish they were here with us forever"

Earlier this week, the world lost a legend of an athlete - Kobe Bryant. Along with him, we lost eight others, including Bryant's 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant. As warm condolences and messages of grief came pouring in from friends, family members, fans, and celebrities, there was one voice we were yet to hear from: Bryant's wife Vanessa. However, after almost a week since the tragedy took place, she has broken her silence and come forward with a moving message. Taking to Instagram, she thanked fans and loved ones for their outpouring of support and requested privacy so the Bryant family could have time to heal.

Mrs. Bryant posted an adorable photo of the whole Bryant clan, including, of course, Kobe and Gianna, as well as herself and their three other daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. Needless to say, the photo was a bittersweet reminder of the loss the Bryants have recently suffered. "My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time," she wrote in the caption. "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."

In addition to recognizing the loss of her husband and daughter, Mrs. Bryant also took a moment to remember the other victims on board the helicopter. She stated, "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." Like other family members grieving their loved ones, the loving mother and wife expressed emotions of deep sadness. "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," she wrote. "I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon."

She then shared some of her most intimate feelings with her followers. Mrs. Bryant affirmed, "I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them. 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. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever." Finally, she requested some privacy and let everyone know how they can help during this time of mourning. She stated, "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. To honor our Team Mamba family, the Mamba Sports Foundation has set up the MambaOnThree Fund to help support the other families affected by this tragedy. To donate, please go to MambaOnThree.org. To further Kobe and Gianna’s legacy in youth sports, please visit MambaSportsFoundation.org." She gratefully concluded, "Thank you so much for lifting us up in your prayers, and for loving Kobe, Gigi, Natalia, Bianka, Capri and me."

Mrs. Bryant was not the only one to release an official statement. The Los Angeles Lakers, too, took to Instagram to upload their official farewell to the basketball hero. They posted, "We are devastated and have been forever changed by the sudden loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. We send our love to Vanessa, the Bryant family, and to the families of the other passengers. Words cannot express what Kobe means to the Los Angeles Lakers, our fans, and our city. More than a basketball player, he was a beloved father, husband, and teammate. Their love and light will remain in our hearts forever." They also urged users to donate to The Mamba Sports Foundation's MambaOnThree Fund. While America mourns, there is no doubt that they will rally together to support the families affected by this bitter tragedy.