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Private funeral held for Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna

Samson X Horne
By Samson X Horne
3 Min Read Feb. 11, 2020 | 6 years Ago
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NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant have been laid to rest.

The Los Angeles Lakers icon and his daughter were reportedly buried Friday in a private funeral in Los Angeles, according to Entertainment Tonight.

Kobe and Gianna died in a Jan. 26 helicopter crash in Calabasas with seven others: Christina Mauser, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester and pilot Ara Zobayan.

The 18-time All Star is survived by his wife, Vanessa Bryant, and the couple’s three other daughters, Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and 7-month-old Capri.

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

Vanessa Bryant has said a public memorial is slated for Feb. 24 at the Staples Center, where Kobe spent most of his 20-year NBA career.

She shared a heartfelt Instagram post Monday, detailing her difficulty with coming to grips with losing her husband and second daughter.

“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,” the message read in part.

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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

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Officials have said low visibility may have been a factor.

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