Basketball Fans Heartbroken Over Vanessa Bryant's Tribute To Gigi
Basketball fans around the world are keeping Vanessa Bryant and her family in their prayers this weekend.
On Jan. 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gigi and seven other people passed away in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. A little over a year later, Vanessa Bryant delivered a very emotional speech at her late husband's Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
"I want to thank him for somehow finding ways to dedicate time to not only being an incredible athlete, a visionary entrepreneur and storyteller, but for also being an amazing family man," she said. "Dear Kobe, thank you for being the best husband and father you could possibly be. Thank you for growing and learning from your own mistakes. Thank you for always trying to be better."
Now let's fast forward to this Friday, where Vanessa posted a heartfelt message on Instagram for what would've been Gigi's 20th birthday.
"Happy birthday to my sweet baby angel, Gianna. Words can't express how much I love and miss you mamacita," Vanessa wrote. "Mommy loves you so much."
After Vanesa posted this tribute on Instagram, countless fans offered their thoughts and prayers.
"No mother should have to go thorough this kind of pain," one fan commented.
"Keep a candle lit for mothers who lose their children and have to watch life go on without them," a second fan wrote.
"Breaks my heart every time," another fan said. "She would of been in college balling right now."
"Sending this whole family love peace and blessings. I just hope they know they're still with them," another social media user wrote.
Honoring the legacy of Gigi Bryant.
The Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which is designed to help underserved boys and girls in sports, had incredible news to share on Gigi's birthday.
"Today, May 1st, marks what would have been Gianna Bryant's 20th birthday. In Gigi's honor, we are proud to announce the 2026 Class of Gianna Bryant Scholars- 20 exceptional student-athletes from Los Angeles and Orange County, administered in partnership with the California Community Foundation and local Boys & Girls Club affiliates," the foundation said. "Congratulations to all of our 2026 Scholars! We are deeply honored to invest in your future. And to our Gigi, Happy 20th Birthday! Your vision, your spirit, and your beautiful heart continue to light the way."
We're hoping these 20 recipients make the Bryant family proud.
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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 1:35 PM.