The world is still in shock and mourning after the devastating loss of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and the seven other people who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter accident this weekend.
On Sunday, January 26th, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were involved in a devastating helicopter crash.
The helicopter was carrying eight passengers plus a pilot over the Calabasas area, and there were tragically no survivors.
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Kobe frequently flew by helicopter to get around Los Angeles.
Kobe initially began using helicopters as a means of travel when he decided he wanted to be able to spend more time with his family.
“I was sitting in traffic and I wound up missing like a school play,” he said . “I had to figure out a way where I could still train and focus on the craft but still not compromise family time.”
“So that’s when I looked into helicopters, to be able to get down and back in 15 minutes and that’s when it started.”
However, it seemed that Kobe and his wife of 19 years, Vanessa Bryant, understood the dangers of helicopter flight, according to a source speaking to People .
“He and Vanessa had a deal that they would never fly on a helicopter together,” the source said.
Kobe and Gianna, also called Gigi, are survived by Vanessa, 37, and daughters Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and Capri, 7 months.
A source close to the couple also told People that Vanessa is trying to be strong for her children in this tragic time.
“It’s an extremely difficult and devastating time for Vanessa and the whole family,” the source explained .
“She is working very hard to pull it together for the other girls.”
“She now has to be the strong one,” the source continues. “Of course, you can never be prepared for this,” they add, stating that the couple “were soulmates.”
Vanessa and Kobe had been married for 19 years, since Vanessa was 18.
“On this day 20 years ago I met my best friend, my Queen,” Kobe had shared on Instagram in November. “I decided to take her on a date to Disneyland tonight to celebrate old school style (pre 4princesses) I love you my mamacita per sempre,” he wrote.
Many messages of condolences have been left for Vanessa, acknowledging the difficult time she’s going through.
A source told People that Vanessa “is surrounded by people who love her and love Kobe. She has a good support system. She is relying on her faith. She is not alone. But she will be grieving this for a very long time.”
There has been an outpouring of support from fans and friends alike for the Bryants.
Like this portrait that Jim Carrey painted that reads, “Bye Kobe, thank you. You were amazing!”
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson also shared a photo in tribute to the Bryants.
The Rock, who is currently grieving the loss of his own father, shared a shot of Kobe and Gianna with the caption, “Love is forever.”
Jamie Foxx also wrote a touching message.
“Just can’t take this one. Sending up prayers to your beautiful family. This hurt is for a lifetime… @kobebryant you will be missed for eternity. REST IN POWER,” he wrote.
Jennifer Lopez shared an incredible message.
“Family. As I scrolled through Kobe’s feed, and Alex and I talk memories and moments we remember about him … this is the truth that rings out the loudest … family is what matters most,” Jennifer wrote.
“We are all feeling sadness from this loss, but all I can think of is that it is a grain of sand compared to what Vanessa must going through right now.”
“I am sending all of my love and praying for you, your children and the other families involved in today’s tragic turn of events. The most unfair thing in life is to lose a child and husband on the same day,” Jennifer continued.
“Vanessa, I pray for your strength and that God guides you each step of the way through this unimaginable heartbreak.”
“To the other families who are suffering from this unthinkable tragedy, may God be with you all.”
“Kobe you meant so much to so many and we will miss you forever.”
“Thank you for your work ethic, your inspiration and your heart,” Jennifer finished.
Our thoughts are with the Bryant family and the families of the other victims at this time.
