5:35 PM PT -- Vanessa is thanking the "millions of people who've shown support and love during this horrific time." She just posted a heart-wrenchingly beautiful family photo of Kobe, herself and their 4 daughters.
Vanessa says they are "completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe -- the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna." She also says they're struggling to imagine life without them, but adds ... "we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way."
She also wrote some touching and sweet words about all the prayers they're getting from around the world, and described their love for Kobe and Gigi as "immeasurable."
Click above to read her full post. It's an incredible tribute, not only to her family ... but to all the families involved in the crash.
Kobe Bryant's wife, Vanessa, has made her first public move since her husband and their daughter, Gigi, died tragically in a helicopter crash ... sharing a heartbreaking image of her lost loves.
Vanessa just changed the profile image on her official Instagram account to a picture of Kobe and Gigi ... and it's the first time she's publicly acknowledged the shocking loss.
In the pic, Kobe is embracing Gigi. She's got her arm on his shoulder, and he's lovingly gazing down. The snap is from the 2016 NBA All-Star Game in Toronto, the last of Kobe's 18 All-Star appearances.
Vanessa hasn't said anything publicly yet about her husband and daughter's passing, and you gotta feel for her in this extremely rough time ... but this picture speaks volumes.
TMZ broke the story ... Kobe and Gigi died in a devastating helicopter crash in Calabasas on Sunday morning, which claimed the lives of 7 others.
All 9 passengers of the chopper have been identified ... including Kobe, Gigi, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser and the pilot, Ara Zobayan.
Kobe and Gigi were heading to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks for her basketball game.
Originally Published -- 11:20 AM PT