Vanessa Bryant issues first statement following death of husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna

The whole world was in shock after hearing the tragic demise of Kobe Bryant and eight others in a helicopter crash. Tributes poured in from around the globe, as sporting icons and celebrities paid their respect to the former Los Angeles Lakers legend.

Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant released a statement later on through her Instagram account on the passing of her spouse and daughter Gianna, who was also one of the passengers in the helicopter.

Vanessa began by thanking the fans for their prayers and thoughts. She said, "My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time."

Vanessa talks about how shocked she was and taken aback by the accident. She said:

"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."

Vanessa and Kobe meet when the latter was still in high school. After she turned 18, Kobe proposed. The two got married in 2001.

She then asked the fans to respect their privacy during this trying time, "Thank you for sharing your joy, your grief and your support with us. We ask that you grant us the respect and privacy we will need to navigate this new reality."

Vanessa mentioned about setting up a fund for the families that were affected by this tragedy and that Mamba Sports Foundation has set up a fund called "MambaOnThree", where all the proceedings will go to the other families affected by this tragedy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bryant family and all the other families affected by this accident.