Wife of 41-year-old retired NBA star, Kobe Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, has made her first public statement since the unfortunate death of her husband and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna alongside seven others in a tragic helicopter crash Sunday morning in Southern California.

Vanessa posted on Instagram Wednesday for the first time since Kobe’s death.

She wrote:

“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.

“We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief ultimately There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now.

“I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them. But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way,”

“Our love for them is endless, and that’s to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them, and bless them. Have them here forever.”