Lakers’ legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were buried during a private funeral ceremony on Friday at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar, California. Bryant and his daughter perished during a helicopter crash in Calabasas that killed a total of nine people on January 26.

A representative of the Bryant family said, “Vanessa and the family wanted a private service to mourn their loss. The ceremony was extremely hard for everyone as it’s still hard for them to grasp they lost two beautiful souls.”

The city of Los Angeles has scheduled a public memorial for Bryant, his daughter and the seven other victims that will be held on February 24, at 10 a.m. PST at the Staples Center in reference to Bryant’s No. 24. Gianna’s No. 2 jersey was retired by Harbor Day School Wednesday night where she previously attended.

Bryant’s wife Vanessa expressed her emotions via Instagram on Tuesday and said, “I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi 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. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters. Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with 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. 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. ”

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Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa, and three daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri.

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I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi 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. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters. Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with 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. 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.

A post shared by Vanessa Bryant ? (@vanessabryant) on

 

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Frank DeLorenzo

Article by Frank DeLorenzo

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