Kobe Bryant‘s sisters are breaking their silence following their brother’s sudden passing — in which the athlete, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other victims died in ahelicopter crashin Calabasas, California on Sunday.
Sharia Washington and Shaya Tabb released their first public statement since the fatal incident on Friday, saying they are “in grieving” along with Bryant’s widowVanessa, 37, and his daughters Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and Capri, 7 months, over the loss of their sibling and niece.
“Our lives are forever changed,” the sisters added, before thanking the public for their “prayers, the numerous calls, texts, emails and cards.”
Sharia Washington (left), Kobe Bryant (center) and Shaya Tabb (right).Chris Weeks/WireImage
Bryant, 41, and Gianna were reportedly on their way to ayouth basketball gamein Thousand Oaks with parents and players from the Mamba Sports Academy girls’ team when theirhelicoptercrashed amid foggy conditions on a hill in Calabasas. The two died alongsidepilot Ara Zobayan,Sarah and Payton Chester,Christina Mauser,John Altobelli, his wife Keri Altobelli and their daughter, Alyssa Altobelli.
The family statement follows anemotional messageVanessa had shared on Instagram on Wednesday, in which she told fans she’s “devastated” over the loss of her “adoring” husband and their “beautiful, sweet” daughter Gianna.
“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,” she wrote.
(From left) Natalia, Gianna, Kobe, Vanessa and Bianka Bryant.Kobe Bryant/Instagram
“We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately. There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now,” she continued. “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.”
Vanessa shared that while she is not surehow to recoverfrom their tragic and sudden deaths, she and her family are going to “keep pushing.”
“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.”
Kevin Mazur/Getty
In her statement, Vanessa also announced that the Mamba Sports Foundation hasset up a charity for the seven other victimsof the helicopter crash.
“Thank you so much for lifting us up in your prayers, and for loving Kobe, Gigi, Natalia, Bianka, Capri and me. #Mamba #Mambacita #GirlsDad #DaddysGirls #Family ❤️,” Vanessa concluded.
If you would like to help the families of the victims of the crash, consider donating to theMambaOnThree Fund. Donations to theMamba Sports Foundationwill help support youth sports.
source: people.com
