Vanessa Bryant issued a statement Thursday saying her mother was trying to “extort a financial windfall,” the Los Angeles Times reported. The 48-page lawsuit filed by Sofia Urbieta Laine, 68, claims Kobe Bryant “promised to take care” of her for life. Kobe Bryant, 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others died Jan. 26 when their helicopter crashed in the hills of Calabasas. Financial experts estimate Vanessa Bryant inherited control of an estate worth up to $600 million, the Times said. “She was a grandmother who was supported by me and her son-in-law at my request,” Vanessa Bryant said.

DETROIT – Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, broke her silence on social media Wednesday night following the deaths of her husband and 13-year-old daughter. Retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. Vanessa Bryant shared the following on social media:"My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately. I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved.

A day after a tragic helicopter crash in California, all nine people who died have been identified. The most famous of those is former NBA great Kobe Bryant, whose death prompted reaction and tributes from celebrities around the world. Christina MauserMauser was a basketball coach at Harbor Day School in Newport Beach, where Kobe Bryant’s oldest daughter, Natalia, attended. We lost our beautiful wife and mom today in a helicopter crash.”Sarah Chester and Payton ChesterPayton Chester was a teammate of Gianna Bryant’s on the basketball team. Keri Altobelli was John’s wife and the mother of Alyssa, who was a basketball teammate of Gianna Bryant.