Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

“Real Housewives of Orange County” star Shannon Beador had a personal connection to Christina Mauser, the girls’ basketball coach who died in the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and several others on Sunday.

Mauser coached Beador’s three daughters in middle school, she shared on Instagram on Monday morning. Mauser worked at a private school in Orange County, California.

“Christina Mauser. An incredible coach and amazing influence on all three of my daughters that played basketball in middle school,” Beador, 55, wrote on Instagram alongside a team photo including her daughter Sophie. “And amazing mother of 3 children. Our greatest sympathies go out to [her husband] and his family. The Beador girls are devastated. Sending our prayers to the Mauser family… 🙏🏻.”

Sophie Beador, who is 17 years old, posted the same photo on her Instagram story, writing: “I will forever be heartbroken … Your spirit and passion for basketball was so inspiring to me. I wish I could give you a big hug one last time. You will forever be my june bug. Praying for your family. Rest easy.”

Adeline Beador, Shannon’s 15-year-old daughter, thanked Mauser for “always caring about me and being my second mom.” “to the person who shaped me into who i am, i am heartbroken,” Adeline wrote on her Instagram story.

Mauser was identified as a victim in Sunday’s tragic crash that took nine lives. Pilot Ara Zobayan, and college baseball coach John Altobelli, his daughter Alyssa Altobelli and his wife, Keri Altobelli, were also killed, in addition to Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant and Mauser.

Mauser’s husband, Matt Mauser, called in to the “Today” show on Monday and said he’s “scared” to navigate life without her.

“I’ve got three small kids and I’m trying to figure out how to navigate life with three kids and no mom,” he said via phone. “I’m scared more than anything — I’m a little scared for the future.”

He also said that Bryant hand-picked his wife to help mentor his protegés. Their helicopter was headed to his Mamba Sports Academy in California at the time of the crash.

“He didn’t choose Christina for just any ordinary reason — she was extraordinary,” he noted, adding that his wife was “warm,” “incredibly bright” and “funny like nobody you’ve ever met.”