Before the big game started, the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers both stood on their respective 24-yard lines, paying tribute with a moment of silence. Kobe wore number 24 during most of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“She was aware of the Super Bowl tribute and she was touched,” a source close to the mother of four tells PEOPLE. “Every memorial means something to her. Every memorial is important.”
Ronald Martinez/Getty
Since Kobe’s death, athletes from around the world have found their own ways to honor the champion athlete. NBA teams allowedthe 24-second shot clock to run down to zero at the start of games, and players temporarilywore one of Kobe’s numbers while on the court.
At Friday night’s Laker Game at theStaples Center, Gianna’s and Kobe’s jerseys were placed on the courtside seats they used to occupy, adorned with red roses. The sentiment touched Vanessa deeply.
“There is no #24 without #2,” shewrote on Instagram, adding, “❤️#GirlDaddy #DaddysGirl #MyBabies ❤️❤️ #OurAngels”
Courtside seats with Gianna’s and Kobe Bryant’s jerseys.Harry How/Getty Images
Vanessa, 37, is still reeling from the sudden deaths of Kobe and Gianna in a January 26helicopter crashthat claimed the lives of 9 people.
Vanessaspoke out for the first timelast week, telling fans in an emotional Instagram post that she is “devastated” over the loss of her “adoring” husband, 41, and their “beautiful, sweet” daughter Gianna.
“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,” Vanessa wrote.
Vanessa shared that she is 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.”
Kobe and Vanessa Bryant with their daughters.Vanessa Bryant Instagram
A fund has been created for the families of the seven other victims —John Altobelli,Keri Altobelli,Alyssa Altobelli,Sarah Chester, Payton Chester,Christina Mauserand pilotAra Zobayan. Donations are being accepted through the Mamba Sports Foundation called theMambaOnThree Fund.
“She appreciates every single effort that people have given to remember her husband and daughter,” says the insider. “Every flower, every prayer, every card, every tweet. It’s all very comforting to her.”
If you would like to help the families of the victims of the crash, consider donating to theMambaonThree Fund. Contributions to theMamba Sports Foundationwill help support youth sports.
source: people.com
