Gigi’s last words were spoken to her father: “I don’t want to die.”
Similarly, what were the final words of both Kobe and Gigi? Following the recovery of the black box, it has been revealed that Kobe’s last words were, “I’d prefer to be gone than stuck in traffic on the 101.” Kobe, who was 41 at the time, had been married to Vanessa since 2001, and they were parents to four daughters – Gianna, affectionately known as Gigi; Natalia, aged 17; Bianka, aged 3; and Capri, born in June of the previous year.
What were Kobe’s parting words before his passing? In response to an achievement by LeBron James, Kobe’s last public statement appeared in a tweet: “Continuing to advance the game @KingJames. Much respect my brother #33644”. Kobe also included the hashtag “#33644,” which alluded to the number of points required to surpass his scoring record, a record that James ultimately achieved.
Furthermore, is there a memorial statue for Kobe Bryant? A bronze statue commemorating Kobe and Gianna Bryant has been erected at the helicopter crash site, a tragic event that claimed their lives and those of seven others in Calabasas, California. The statue, crafted by sculptor Dan Medina, was unveiled on the second anniversary of their passing.
What Were Gianna Bryant’s Last Words Before Her Death?
On January 26, 2020, an ordinary day for people worldwide took a tragic turn for Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, and seven others. The helicopter they were on crashed into the hills of Calabasas, losing all nine lives due to the impact. Kobe, Gianna, and their friends were heading to a basketball game in Thousand Oaks, a trip they often made by helicopter.
When the news of Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s passing spread, it shocked the entire world. Fans were in disbelief, and the pain was even more significant for Vanessa (Kobe’s wife) and their three other daughters. Many are curious about their final moments and last conversations before the tragic incident.
Although there’s no solid evidence regarding Gianna Bryant’s last words, various highlights and TikTok videos speculate about what she might have said. Many of these videos suggest she might have said, “I don’t want to die, Dad.” It’s worth noting that Gianna was last seen at the Cathedral of Our Lady Queen before boarding the helicopter. Kobe was known to visit this church regularly, and according to Daily Mail reports, this was their final stop before embarking on the helicopter journey.
Gianna Bryant’s dream of carrying Kobe Bryant’s legacy
Kobe and Gianna Bryant shared an extraordinary connection. The legendary basketball player from the Los Angeles Lakers treated his daughter like a close friend and acknowledged her as such. Kobe was committed to guiding Gianna towards living an extraordinary life, much like his legendary journey. The concept behind the Mamba Sports Academy also originated from his beliefs. However, a particularly heartwarming moment that Kobe once talked about reveals the depth of their bond.
In an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Kobe recounted a story where Gianna fearlessly confronted someone discussing the continuation of Kobe’s legacy through a boy. He said, “Fans come up to me, and she’ll be standing right next to me… [the fans to Kobe] ‘Hey, you gotta have a boy. You and [Vanessa] gotta have a boy, man. You got somebody to carry on the tradition, your legacy.'” Gianna’s response to these fans was delightful.
Kobe shared her clever comeback, “She’s like, ‘Hey! I got this.'” These were her words to fans who believed only a boy could carry her father’s legacy forward. Kobe and Gianna were often seen together, whether they were watching basketball games in Los Angeles or elsewhere.
He would explain various in-game situations to her, helping her deepen her understanding of the sport. Even today, Kobe is a beautiful example of how a father should be present for his daughter.
Read More: Kobe Bryant Last Words: What Were Kobe’s Last Words Before His Passing?
