Vanessa Bryant Posts New Tearful Tribute To Daughter Gianna, 13, After Death: ‘God I Miss You’

Vanessa Bryant is still deeply grieving the death of daughter Gianna, 13, who was killed in a helicopter crash with her dad Kobe Bryant. She posted an emotional tribute, as Gigi's school retired her basketball jersey.

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February 5, 2020 11:34PM EST
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Kobe Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, Gianna Bryant and Natalia Bryant 'A Wrinkle in Time' film premiere, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 26 Feb 2018
Gianna Bryant sits on the shoulders of her father, Kobe Bryant, as they attend the women's soccer match between the United States and China, in San DiegoChina USA Women soccer, San Diego, USA
The retirement of the Los Angeles Lakers player, Kobe Bryant's #8 and #24 jerseys was held Monday December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California during half time of the game between with the Golden State Warriors. Kobe Bryant with his family (L-R) Gianna Maria-Onore, wife, Vanessa Laine Bryant, Kobe Bryant holding Bianka Bella and Natalia Diamante. 18 Dec 2017 Pictured: The retirement of the Los Angeles Lakers player, Kobe Bryant's #8 and #24 jerseys was held Monday December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California during half time of the game between with the Golden State Warriors. Kobe Bryant with his family (L-R) Gianna Maria-Onore, wife, Vanessa Laine Bryant, Kobe Bryant holding Bianka Bella and Natalia Diamante. Photo credit: ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA TheMegaAgency.com +1 888 505 6342 (Mega Agency TagID: MEGA135063_001.jpg) [Photo via Mega Agency]
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The worst thing to happen to a parent is the death of their child. Vanessa Bryant had the double tragedy of losing her husband of nearly 20 years, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, 41, and their 13-year-old daughter Gianna, “Gigi,” when the helicopter they were riding in crashed into a foggy hillside in Calabasas, CA on Jan. 26. Gigi’s school had a service in her memory where they retired her number 2 basketball jersey, as she was the star of the eighth grade team at Harbor Day School in Newport Beach, CA. Vanessa, 37, shared Instagram pics and video on Feb. 5 of the service. Gigi’s basketball coach spoke of her tenacious “Mamba mentality” work ethic, just like her dad. You can watch more of the touching speeches about Gigi, including ones from her principal and fellow student council members at Vanessa’s Instagram account here.

“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 ❤️,” Vanessa captioned one heartbreaking photo of the memorial set up in the school gym.

Gigi was a basketball prodigy, just like her father. Kobe described her on a Jimmy Kimmel Live appearance as being better than he was at her age. The retired Laker coached her AAU basketball Team Mamba through his Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, CA. That’s where Kobe and Gigi were headed for a basketball tournament when their helicopter went down in heavy fog, killing the father and daughter, as well as seven others aboard.

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Kobe’s Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute to their most legendary player during their first game back since his death. The Jan. 31 pre-game memorial brought tears to the eyes of current stars LeBron James, 35, and Anthony Davis, 26. It featured a rendition of “Amazing Grace” performed by Usher, accompanied by an organ. Then a video retrospective was shown on the jumbortron of Kobe’s 20 year career as a Laker, his post-NBA life that included winning an Oscar for his Dear Basketball Best Short Animation, and of course his life as a husband and dad to four beloved daughters. LeBron then gave a speech straight from the heart, honoring his close friend and “big brother.”