Gianna Bryant, Alyssa Altobelli, and Payton Chester were taken from the world way too soon back on January 26th in a helicopter crash alongside some of their parents, including NBA legend Kobe Bryant. All three girls were on their way to a basketball tournament with the Mamba Sports Academy. These three young women had aspirations of someday making it to the WNBA and unfortunately, they were never given the proper opportunity to make this dream a reality.

Tonight, the WNBA is hosting their virtual entry draft for new prospects and at one point during the festivities, the league plans on honoring the three young women with a special ceremony. In fact, Bryant, Chester, and Altobelli will all be honorary draft picks. Needless to say, the WNBA has planned a beautiful tribute that will certainly have us wiping away a few tears.

Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram where she notified her followers about the event and how they can watch it. If you’re a Kobe fan, you know just how much GiGi meant to him and how excited he was to one day see her make it to the WNBA. Even in spirit, we’re sure GiGi and Kobe would have been very proud of this latest accomplishment. 

As we continue to mourn the loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, it’s important that we not forget about the other lives taken in the tragic helicopter crash. In addition to Kobe and Gigi, seven other souls were stripped from the planet this weekend as they travelled to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California. Gianna Bryant and her teammates, Payton Chester and Alyssa Altobelli, were also killed in the horrific accident, losing their young lives in something that can only be described as cruel and unfair. Supplementing the outpouring of love for the Bryant family, people have also been sharing tributes to the young girls lost in the tragedy, including Larsa Pippen who shared a photo of all three together on the court.

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Posting a collage of photos of the girls showcasing their love for the game of basketball, Larsa Pippen issued a heartbreaking upload of Gianna, Payton and Alyssa. The three teenagers were passionate about the sport, training at the Mamba Sports Academy in order to improve their skills and hopefully one day, go pro. Unfortunately, they will never get to see out their dreams, and that’s seriously heartbreaking.

Reactions to the post are incredibly heartfelt with so many noting how painful it is to realize that these three young angels are no longer with us. Rest in peace, Gigi, Payton, and Alyssa.

The names of the nine people on board the Kobe Bryant-involved helicopter crash that took the lives of all passengers have been shared for days, the Los Angeles Coroner’s office has been diligently attempting to properly identify each person. An investigation has uncovered that fatalities included: Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant; John Altobelli, John’s wife Keri Altobelli, and their daughter Alyssa Altobelli; Sarah Chester and her 13-year-old daughter Payton Chester; basketball coach Christina Mauser, and pilot Ara Zobayan.

According to a report made by KRON4 News, only four victims of the helicopter crash have been identified by fingerprints: Kobe Bryant, John Altobelli, Sarah Chester, and Ara Zobayan. The coroner’s office is doing its best to officially identify the remains of the other five passengers. There has been much speculation regarding the cause of the accident, and while fog has been a key source, it will be weeks, maybe even months, before definitive answers are given.

Vanessa Bryant has understandably made her Instagram private as she processes the most devastating time of her life, but the outpouring of prayers, love, and support for all victims and their families has been overwhelming in these first few days. News of the tragedy has caused many to reevaluate what they’ve deemed to be important, so hopefully, this unity and support will continue in the months and years to come.