Vanessa Bryant breaks her silence on social media

Kobe's widow uses Instagram to thank fans for their support

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Vanessa Bryant chose Instagram for her first public comments following the death of her husband, Kobe, and daughter, Gianna.

Wednesday night Bryant changed her profile photo to a shot of her husband and daughter embracing.

She also posted a photo of the entire family during happier times with a heartfelt statement.

The statement begins with thanks to fans for the outpouring of support. It goes on to express the devastation she'll likely feel for some time to come.

Kobe and Vanessa married in 2001. They had four daughters together. Their oldest, Natalia, is 17. Their youngest, Capri, is just 7 months old. Bianka is just 3.

Kobe was on his way to a youth basketball game with 13-year-old Gianna when the helicopter crashed.