LOS ANGELES — Vanessa Bryant has released her first public statement after the deaths of her husband Kobe and daughter Gianna on Sunday.
"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," Vanessa Bryant said in an Instagram post. "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 goes on to say that the Bryant family appreciates the thoughts and prayers from around the world, but would like privacy as they continue to grieve.
Kobe, Gianna and seven others were killed when their helicopter crashed on a hillside in Calabasas around 10 a.m. PST on Sunday.
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Vanessa Bryant says they've set up the "MambaOnThree" fund to benefit the families of the other victims in the helicopter crash.
She also says that MambaSportsFoundation.org will continue to honor Kobe and Gianna's legacy in youth sports.
