Kobe Bryant’s wife says ‘I’m mad I didn’t go first’ as she pays tribute on his 42nd birthday

The US basketball legend and his daughter were killed in a helicopter crash in January.

Kobe Bryant’s wife has paid tribute to her late husband on what would have been his 42nd birthday, saying she wishes she could “wake up from this horrible nightmare”.

Vanessa Bryant shared a message with her nearly 14 million Instagram followers in which she said she loved and missed her basketball star husband and daughter Gianna “more than I can ever explain”.

Mrs Bryant wrote:

“To my baby. Happy birthday. I love you and miss you more than I can ever explain. I wish you and Gigi were here to celebrate YOU!”

She continued:

“I wish I could make your fav food or a birthday cake with my Gigi. I miss your big hugs, your kisses, your smile, your loud a** deep laugh.”