Vanessa Bryant says Kobe and Gianna's tragic death 'still doesn't seem real' one year on

On the one year anniversary of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna's death, widow Vanessa Bryant says the tragedy "still doesn't seem real".

The mum-of-four suffered unimaginable heartbreak last year when her LA Lakers star husband Kobe and their daughter Gigi, 13, were killed in a helicopter crash on January 26.

Vanessa has won huge respect and support from fans as she remains strong for her daughters Bianka, Capri and Natalia and keeps Kobe's memory alive.

And on the eve of the family death anniversary, Vanessa shared a poignant letter she had received from one of Gianna's friends as she mourns a whole year of being without her loved ones.

"Today I received this sweet letter from one of Gianna’s best friends, Aubrey. I love you Aubz (as my Gigi would call you)," Vanessa wrote alongside the letter.

"Thank you so much for beautifully sharing some of your memories of my Gigi with me and allowing me to share them here on my ig.

"My Gigi is INCREDIBLE and I truly appreciate your thoughtful letter. She loves you so much. I miss my baby girl and Kob-Kob so much, too."

Vanessa admitted she still finds it hard to come to terms with the tragedy.

"I will never understand why/how this tragedy could’ve happened to such beautiful, kind and amazing human beings," she added.

"It still doesn’t seem real."

Vanessa has kept the memory of her loved ones alive with a number of touching messages and posts on social media.

Kobe and Gigi were two of nine people to be killed when their helicopter crashed in Calabasas.

The others killed in the horror crash included 13-year-old Payton Chester, Sarah Chester, 46, 14-year-old Alyssa Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, 46, John Altobelli, 56, Christina Mauser, 38, and 50-year-old pilot Ara Zobayan.

The group were travelling near Calabasas, Los Angeles when the chopper crashed into a hillside during heavy fog.