“God I Wish They Were Here and This Nightmare Would Be Over.” Vanessa Bryant in an Emotional Post About the Kobe Bryant Tragedy

The days may be passing by pretty quick for the rest of the world, but for Vanessa Bryant, it seems everything has stopped altogether. Vanessa Bryant is NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s wife of nearly 20 years.

The tragedy hit when Kobe and Gigi Bryant (their daughter) were killed in a helicopter crash on January 26. They were on their way to Gigi’s match at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California. Gigi was participating in a youth basketball event.

The helicopter carrying Bryant and eight others had been given special permission to fly despite foggy conditions. All nine people on board were confirmed dead.

Kobe Bryant Tragedy: An Overwhelmed Vanessa Bryant

Vanessa Bryant is a former model and a dancer. She has three more daughters with the NBA legend: Natalia Diamante, Bianka Bella and Capri.

In an Instagram post on Monday, Vanessa Bryant expressed both sadness and anger at the loss of her husband and teenage daughter.

“My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone,” she wrote on social media. “It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi [Gianna] will never come back to me.

“It feels wrong. 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.”

Bryant tells the fans that she realizes she has to remain strong for her three surviving daughters, 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,” she wrote. “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.”

The post on Instagram included a video from a Slam Magazine feature about the five-time NBA champion’s involvement with Gianna’s basketball team. Kobe Bryant coached the team on a number of occasions. He had repeatedly said in interviews his 13-year-old daughter was a far better player than he was at her age.

The Tributes

The late NBA legend’s fans set up a memorial outside staples center as soon as the news of the accident came out.

Teammates and competitors alike came together to show their support. Kobe Bryant meant a lot to them. He was an idol, a mentor and most importantly, a good friend.

A public memorial for Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa was held Monday. Also killed in the crash were pilot Ara Zobayan, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester and her daughter, Payton Chester.

Vanessa Bryant announced last week that a “celebration of life” memorial will be held Feb. 24 at Staples Center to honor her husband and Gianna.