Kobe Bryant’s sisters break silence following the legend's death, say they are devastated: 'He loved them dearly'
Nearly a week after the tragic death of the NBA champion Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, his sisters Sharia Washington and Shaya Tabbhave released a tear-jerking statement.
In a statement to NewsOne on Friday, the sisters said, "On behalf of our family, we join Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka and Capri in grieving the loss of Kobe and Gianna in such a tragic accident. We are devastated by the loss of our brother, son, our niece and granddaughter, and our hearts go out to all the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday. Our lives are forever changed. Thank you for your prayers, the numerous calls, texts, emails and cards."
They further added, "Please visit MambaOnThree.org to support the families affected by Sunday’s tragedy and to honor Kobe and Gianna’s legacy, please visit: MambaSportsFoundation.org #Mambacita #Mamba #Family #GirlsDad."
Kobe, 41, was the youngest child of his parents — father Joe Bryant and mother Pamela. He had two older sisters whom he loved dearly. Sharia, 43, the oldest and mother of three children, lives in Las Vegas with her husband, Jerrod Washington. Shaya, 42, also has three children and works at a casino in Las Vegas.
Kobe’s family, friends and the entire world have been mourning the loss of the basketball legend, who died in a helicopter crash on January 26.
On Wednesday, speaking out for the first time since Kobe’s death his widowed wife Vanessa shared a heart-wrenching note on Instagram, in which she was seen thanking the millions of people for their love and support. She wrote, "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. We definitely need them.”
“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."
She was also seen grieving the loss of the other victims of the crash in the same post and announced that the Mamba Sports Foundation has set up a charity for the other seven victims of the crash.