LOS ANGELES, Calif. – In a heartbreaking Instagram post, Vanessa Bryant shared how difficult it is grieving the loss of the love of her life and their daughter.
Her husband, basketball legend Kobe Bryant, and their 13-year-old daughter, Gigi, were among the nine people killed when the helicopter they were in crashed in Southern California on Jan. 26.
“My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone,” wrote Vanessa. “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.”
Vanessa goes on to ask why she should be able to wake up another day when her “baby girl” isn’t able to do the same.
“I’m so mad. She had so much life to live,” wrote Vanessa. “Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters.”
Along with Vanessa, Kobe leaves behind their three surviving daughters, Bianka, Capri and Natalia.
“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,” wrote Vanessa. “It’s part of the grieving process.”
Vanessa said she wants to share her grieving process in case there’s anyone out there who’s experiencing a similar loss.
“God, I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over,” wrote Vanessa. “Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all.”
A memorial service will be held at the Staples Center on Feb. 24 to remember Kobe and honor his legacy. It’s expected to be open to the public, but the entry will be restricted. The Staples Center has a capacity of 20,000.
An official cause of the helicopter crash has not been released. The National Transportation Safety Board said in a report that the aircraft showed no clear signs of serious engine failure before it crashed close to a mountain bike trail, traveling at about 184 miles per hour.
Agency officials say it could take 12 to 24 months for them to release their final report on the crash.
