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May 1 marked what would have been Gianna Bryant’s 14th birthday had she not died in a helicopter crash alongside her father and several others back in January. In celebration of the day, a number of people went on social media to honor the late daughter of Kobe Bryant — including Gigi’s sister Natalia Bryant. Taking to Instagram, Bryant shared a throwback photo of them along with a sweet birthday message that had everyone emotional.

Vanessa Laine Bryant, Kobe Bryant, Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, and Natalia Diamante Bryant on the red carpet at an event in April 2017
Vanessa Laine Bryant, Kobe Bryant, Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, and Natalia Diamante Bryant on the red carpet at an event in April 2017 | Noam Galai/WireImage

Natalia Bryant’s Instagram post about Gigi

Natalia Bryant’s social media presence has diminished a great deal since the January deaths of her father and younger sister. In fact, she has only shared about a handful of posts since the tragedy. But on May 1, Bryant emerged with the aforementioned post.

It includes a photo of her hugging Gigi while they smile at the camera along with an emotional birthday message.

“Happy 14th Birthday Gigi! ❤️ I miss your smile every day but I know you’re always smiling down on us from heaven with daddy. I LOVE YOU, 👼” read the post.

It received more than 10,000 comments, including one from her mother, Vanessa Bryant, who wrote: “Awe. My babies. I love you girls so much.” See the photo here.

Other tributes to Gigi Bryant

Tons of people in the entertainment world also spoke out and shared tributes to Gigi, including Khloé Kardashian, who praised Gigi’s positivity and influence. “You always led with kindness and love. Today and every day, thank you for inspiring us to be better,” she wrote in a post shared to Instagram.

Jennifer Lopez followed up with a picture of her and her family donning bracelets that will be sold to benefit the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. “Happy Birthday Gigi,” she wrote in the caption, adding on purple and yellow heart emojis in honor of Kobe’s longtime team, The Los Angeles Lakers.

Vanessa also shared her own tribute to her daughter. “Happy 14th Birthday to my sweet baby girl, Gianna,” she captioned a photo of Gigi wearing Minnie Mouse ears. “Mommy loves you more than I can ever show you. You are part of MY SOUL forever. I miss you so much everyday. I wish I could wake up and have you here with me. I miss your smile, your hugs and your giggles. I miss EVERYTHING about YOU, Gigi. I LOVE YOU so much!!!!!!!”

The death of Gigi Bryant

A rising basketball star, Gigi had been traveling from the Los Angeles area to Thousand Oaks, California to attend a sporting event when the helicopter crashed into a hillside, killing her, her dad, and all seven other passengers.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. But it is believed that weather might have been a factor, as the helicopter had been flying in cloudy weather conditions.

Weeks after the Jan. 26 accident, Vanessa Bryant reportedly filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the helicopter company and the pilot of the doomed flight. The matter has yet to be resolved but you can read more about it here.

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