- Kobe and Gigi Bryant died in a tragic helicopter crash in California in 2020
- Gigi shared Kobe’s love of basketball as a player at the Mamba Sports Academy
- DailyMail.com provides the latest international sports news.
Vanessa Bryant posted a heartbreaking message to her late daughter, Gigi, on what would have been her 18th birthday.
Gigi and her father, Lakers and NBA great Kobe Bryant, tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas in January 2020. The fatal crash also claimed the lives of seven other people.
On Wednesday, Vanessa posted a montage of photos and videos of Gigi, writing: ‘Happy birthday to my beautiful girl, Gigi! I love you. I miss you. I am so proud of you.’
Additionally, Vanessa reflected on how Gigi would have graduated high school and chosen a college this year.
‘2024 was your year. You would have graduated from high school and chosen which college to go to. (I would have done everything I could to convince you to stay close to home.)
Vanessa Bryant posted an emotional message for her late daughter Gigi on her birthday
Kobe Bryant and Gigi died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas in January 2020
“I’m proud of the change in sports that you and dad worked so hard on,” Vanessa added. ‘You continue to motivate me and inspire young women and girls every day. I love you always, mommy.’
Kobe and Gigi were 41 and 13 years old when the tragic incident occurred. John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan also died in the crash.
Kobe will always be remembered by fans for his 20-season NBA career with the Lakers.
The Black Mamba led the Purple and Gold’s legendary run in the 2000s, winning five titles and two Finals MVPs.
Kobe played in the NBA for 20 seasons and won five championships with the Lakers.
Gigi played at the Mamba Sports Academy, where she was mentored by her father.
Gigi shared Kobe’s love of basketball and was a player at the Mamba Sports Academy, where her father mentored her closely.
After his death, Orange County supervisors voted unanimously to declare August 24 “Kobe Bryant Day” as the date honors Kobe’s legendary jersey numbers. The city of Los Angeles started the tradition earlier, as they began honoring her after his retirement.
Bryant was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame along with contemporaries Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan on May 15, 2021.
