Vanessa Bryant Is 'Working Very Hard' To Be 'The Strong One' After Loss Of Kobe & Gianna Bryant

Loved ones and fans are continuing to mourn the tragic deaths of Kobe and Gianna Bryant.

As you’re likely aware, the Los Angeles Lakers alum and his 13-year-old daughter passed away on Sunday in a helicopter accident, which claimed the lives of seven others.

Related: TV Hosts Pay Tribute To Kobe Bryant With Emotional Monologues

Obviously, those who are hurting the most are the families of the individuals who passed away, including Vanessa Bryant — Kobe’s wife of 19 years — and the couple’s daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri Bryant.

A friend of the family divulged to People:

“It’s an extremely difficult and devastating time for Vanessa and the whole family.”

A second insider shared with the publication that as expected, Vanessa is “devastated.” The source explained:

“She can hardly keep it together. She can’t finish a sentence without crying. But she is working very hard to pull it together for the other girls. She now has to be the strong one.”

The confidant continued:

“Of course, you can never be prepared for this. Despite their ups and downs, [Vanessa and Kobe] were soulmates. She thought of him as her partner for life.”

Though she has a difficult future, the 37-year-old knows she is not alone:

“[Vanessa] is surrounded by people who love her and love Kobe. She has a good support system. She is relying on her faith. She is not alone. But she will be grieving this for a very long time.”

Prior to his untimely death, Bryant frequently publicized his immense love for his wife and daughters. In November, he acknowledged the 20-year anniversary of meeting Vanessa and shared to his Instagram:

“On this day 20 years ago I met my best friend, my Queen @vanessabryant I decided to take her on a date to Disneyland tonight to celebrate old school style (pre 4princesses) I love you my mamacita per sempre“

Aside from his relationship with his wife, the NBA legend was fiercely dedicated to his daughters. In November, he shared in an interview with Maria Shriver:

“Being a father is the thing I am most proud of in this world; it’s my greatest accomplishment. I’ve learned so much, but perhaps the most profound thing has been the fierce, unconditional love you have for your children when you become a parent. I’m blessed to have had that experience four times now and there’s nothing more powerful in this world.”

Our heart goes out to Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, Capri, and the entire Bryant family at this difficult time.

[Image via Sheri Determan/WENN.]