Vanessa Bryant made her first public statement since the death of her husband Kobe Bryant and her daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash.

Bryant took to Instagram to show gratitude for the support she has received in the wake of her tragic loss.

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.

Vanessa also went on to offer her condolences for the others who lost their lives in the horrific helicopter crash.

We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately. There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved. We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon.

Earlier today, Vanessa changed her Instagram photo to a picture of Kobe and Gianna on a basketball court. At the time of his death, Vanessa and Kobe Bryant were married for 19 years. Their marriage was anything but perfect, with Vanessa filing for divorce in 2011, but two years later calling off the divorce, announcing the two had reunited.

According to multiple reports, the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are currently still investigating the crash.

More From 92.9 The Lake