NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gigi Bryant were laid to rest two weeks after their tragic helicopter crash. The world is still in mourning after losing a true sports hero and his beloved daughter that hadn’t even had a chance to fulfill her greatness.

On January 26th, nine people tragically lost their lives during a helicopter trip that went wrong in Calabasas, California. Nine people lost their lives in the crash, Kobe, Gianna, Christina Mauser, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, and the pilot Ara Zobayan. At the time of the accident, the group was flying to a basketball camp that was being held at Mamba Sports Academy which was owned by Kobe.

The LA Lakers legend was laid to rest with his 13-year-old daughter as confirmed by E! The funeral was a private affair that included family and close friends and came just two weeks after the devastating helicopter crash. The family wanted privacy to mourn but there will be a public memorial held on February 24th at the Staples Center, located in downtown Los Angeles, which will allow NBA fans to pay their respects. Since the accident, grievers all around the world have paid tribute to the NBA legend. Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal has shared that he had no words to express the pain he was going through.

Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant had also been open with the fact that she has found it hard to come to terms with the fact that she had lost her husband and her young daughter. The mother of four took to her Instagram to tell her fans that her brain has refused to accept that Kobe and Gianna are gone. The widow also explained that it makes her angry that her daughter will be unable to ever reach her full potential. Vanessa then acknowledged that she was trying her best to be strong for her three surviving daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.

The family has asked for prayers during their time of mourning and said they are thankful for the immense support they have received. The LA Lakers gave a moving tribute during a recent NBA game, showing an in a Memoriam video that had most of the team in tears. LeBron James spoke from the heart when he gave his speech for his mentor, wearing Kobe’s yellow jersey, while R&B star Usher, sang a powerful rendition of Amazing Grace. Fans watched as roses were placed on two seats which had both Kobe and Gianna’s jerseys on them. While the pain of losing such a powerful athlete and human will stay within our hearts, we will try and move on to ensure his legacy endures.

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Source: E!