The world mourned the loss of NBA legend Kobe Bryant on Sunday, but the tragic helicopter crash outside Los Angeles also claimed the lives of several others, including esteemed college baseball coach John Altobelli. Altobelli, the head baseball coach at Orange Coast College, his wife Keri, and their daughter Alyssa, were among the nine victims in the devastating incident.
A Pillar of Orange Coast College Baseball
John Altobelli, aged 56, was more than just a coach; he was an institution at Orange Coast College (OCC). For 28 seasons, “Coach Alto,” as he was affectionately known, led the OCC Pirates baseball team, amassing over 700 career wins. His dedication and passion culminated in multiple Orange Empire Conference titles, including a recent third consecutive win, and the 2019 Diamond National Coach of the Year award from the American Baseball Coaches Association. Altobelli’s coaching prowess was undeniable, but his impact extended far beyond wins and losses.
Kobe Bryant in a photo from days before the helicopter crash that tragically killed him, his daughter Gianna, and college baseball coach John Altobelli along with his family members.
Family Tragedy Alongside a Community Loss
The tragedy is compounded by the fact that Altobelli’s wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa were also on board the helicopter. Alyssa was a teammate of Gianna Bryant, Kobe’s daughter, and the group was reportedly traveling to a basketball game at Bryant’s Mamba Academy. The Altobelli family leaves behind another daughter, Alexis, and son JJ Altobelli, who is a scout for the Boston Red Sox. The Orange Coast College community and the wider baseball world are grappling with the immense loss of John, Keri, and Alyssa, remembering them as integral parts of their family and community.
Remembered for His Mentorship and Character
Jason Kehler, Orange Coast College athletic director, poignantly stated that Altobelli “truly personified what it means to be a baseball coach.” His players were not just athletes under his charge; they were family. This sentiment is echoed by Jeff McNeil, a Mets all-star who played for Altobelli in the Cape Cod League. McNeil credits Altobelli as “one of the main reasons I’m still playing professional baseball,” highlighting the coach’s belief in his players and his ability to nurture their talent. Altobelli’s influence reached beyond the baseball diamond, shaping young men and instilling values that would serve them throughout their lives.
Investigation into the Helicopter Crash
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, that claimed the lives of all nine individuals on board, including Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, and Alyssa Altobelli. The loss of John Altobelli is a profound blow to Orange Coast College, the baseball community, and all who knew him. His legacy will live on through the countless players he mentored and the indelible mark he left on the sport he loved.
