Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa breaks silence following husband and daughter's shock deaths

The late basketball star's wife of 19 years released a statement concerning the tragedy

Though the world is still coming to terms with the tragic death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, there’s perhaps no one more affected by the loss than the NBA star’s wife and mother to his daughters, Vanessa Bryant.

Vanessa, who wed Kobe in 2001, broke her silence following the tragedy on Wednesday, releasing a statement on Instagram, reported New York Times.

"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 began her emotional social media post.

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"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. We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately," she wrote.

Vanessa had not spoken out publicly since Kobe, 41, and Gianna died with seven others in a helicopter accident Sunday morning in Calabasas, California. Earlier on Wednesday, she changed her Instagram profile picture to a photo of the basketball legend embracing a young Gianna during the NBA All-Star Game in Toronto in 2016.

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"There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. 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. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon. I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them," Vanessa said.

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She continued, "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."

Vanessa thanked everyone for all their support, condolences, and well-wishes. She insisted that fans wishing to help visit a new fund to support the other families touched by the tragedy.

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