Kobe Bryant's wife breaks social media silence after crash

Wednesday, January 29, 2020
The helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant didn't have a recommended warning system to alert the pilot he was too close to land.
LOS ANGELES -- Vanessa Bryant, wife of Kobe Bryant and mother of Gigi Bryant, changed her Instagram profile picture Wednesday, her first public move since her husband and daughter died after their helicopter crashed in Southern California, killing all nine people on board.

Her profile picture shows Kobe and Gigi embracing during the NBA All-Star Game 2016 in Toronto, Ontario. It appeared Vanessa Bryant also changed her Instagram profile from private to public.
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Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles.none
Kobe Bryant holds his daughter, Gianna, after the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.none
Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant watch during day 2 of the Phillips 66 National Swimming Championships at the Woollett Aquatics Center on July 26, 2018 in Irvine, California.none
Kobe Bryant is greeted by his wife, Vanessa, and daughters Natalia and Gianna, after receiving the MVP trophy during the 2008 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2008 at Staples Center.none
Gianna Bryant and her father, former NBA player Kobe Bryant, attend the WNBA All-Star Game 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 27, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.none
Kobe Bryant, wife Vanessa Bryant and daughters Natalia and Gianna celebrate the Lakers' NBA championship with Goofy at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.none
Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Maria-Onore attend his hand and footprint ceremony in Hollywood, California on February 19, 2011.none
Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna watch the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Connecticut and Houston, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Storrs, Conn.none
Kobe Bryant warms up with daughter Gianna Bryant during the NBA All-Star Game 2016 at the Air Canada Centre on February 14, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario.none
Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 29, 2019.none
Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna on Nov. 11, 2019, at a Mamba Basketball Tournament.KABC


Vanessa, Kobe Bryant's wife of 18 years and mother of his four daughters, has not spoken publicly since the tragedy.

In November 2019, the NBA star posted two photos with his wife, celebrating their relationship.
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"On this day 20 years ago I met my best friend, my Queen @vanessabryant I decided to take her on a date to Disneyland tonight to celebrate old school style (pre 4princesses) I love you my mamacita per sempre," the post read.



In the days since the former LA Laker's death, fans, celebrities and politicians alike have paid tribute to Kobe and Gigi.



Fellow NBA superstar LeBron James broke his silence about his friend's death Monday night and promised to carry on his legacy.

"Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had!" James said in an Instagram post.
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