The Bryant family marked a bittersweet occasion on Thursday, May 1, as they remembered Gianna “Gigi” Bryant on what would have been her 19th birthday, five years on from the tragic helicopter crash that killed her and Kobe.
Gigi was the second eldest daughter of basketball legend and lost her life in January 2020 disaster when the helicopter lost visibility and crashed into the Calabasas hills in California.
The moment plunged the basketball world into mourning and since that heart-wrenching loss, Natalia Bryant, Gigi’s older sister, has grown up before the public’s eyes as she carries on her sister’s torch.
Now 22 years old, Natalia has become a young woman poised to graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in film this May, despite the emotional challenges she has faced.
And whilst she carries on with her life, she doesn’t forget her father and her sister and on the anniversary of Gigi’s birthday, she shared a poignant tribute to her late sister, which resonated deeply with fans and followers alike.
Featuring a photo of Gigi and Natalia embracing, she posted a powerful message, “hbd Gigi,” accompanied by a heart and angel wings emoji. Simple, but moving, it subtly conveyed the sadness of the moment but the strongness of their bond.
“How touching and sad at the same time that Gigi isn’t here for her 19th,” Natalia also wrote as she highlighted how Gigi would likely be a college student by now, playing for the UConn Huskies basketball team; she was tipped to be even better than Kobe.
Natalia steps up for the Bryant family
The loss is particularly poignant for Natalia, who was just 17 years old when Gigi passed. They shared a close relationship, and Natalia continues to honor her sister by sharing treasured memories and moments that highlight their special bond.
Natalia has also stepped up in her role as an older sister to her younger siblings (Bianka, eight, and Capri, five), often helping their mother, Vanessa, care for them alongside the rest of the basketball world, and those who were close to Kobe.
While the pain of Gigi‘s absence is undeniable, Natalia‘s dedication to remembering her sister on special occasions like this ensures that Gigi‘s presence is felt in the hearts of those who loved her.
As the family continues to navigate life without their loved ones, moments like these serve as a poignant reminder of the strength and love that remains within the Bryant family.
Gigi‘s spirit is still very much a part of their journey, as Natalia, Vanessa, and the entire family continue to cherish the memories of those they lost far too soon, never forgetting the influence they played on their lives.
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