Vanessa Bryant says her "brain refuses to accept" that her husband Kobe Bryant and their 13-year-old daughter Gianna are "gone".
Vanessa and Kobe Bryant
The 41-year-old NBA superstar and his daughter were among the nine people killed on January 26 when his private helicopter crashed in Calabasas.
And now, his wife Vanessa - with whom he also had 17-year-old Natalia, three-year-old Bianka, and seven-month-old Capri - has taken to social media to admit she's having a hard time "processing" the tragic news.
Posting a video of Gianna playing basketball alongside clips of Kobe coaching her team, the Mamba Academy, Vanessa wrote: "I've been reluctant to put my feelings into words. 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. (sic)"
The 37-year-old beauty went on to say she feels "mad" that Gianna was taken from her at such a young age, but knows she "needs to be strong" for the sake of her other children.
She continued: "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. She 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. Please continue to pray for all. (sic)"
Last week, the Mamba Academy retired Gianna's number two jersey, and Vanessa attended the ceremony that was held in her honour.
She wrote on social media at the time: "My Gianna. God I miss you. I've been so lucky to have woken up to see your gorgeous face and amazing smile for 13 years. Wish it would've been until my last breath. Mommy loves you to the moon and back. Infinity plus 1. #2 #Mambacita #GigiBryant [heart emoji] (sic)"
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