Family members of former Oregon Ducks baseball star among those killed in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash

As more details emerge about the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna on Sunday, we have learned the victims also include the family of former Oregon Ducks baseball star, J.J. Altobelli.

John Altobelli, the longtime head baseball coach at Oregon Coast College, his wife Keri, and their daughter Alyssa, were also on board the helicopter when it crashed.

Orange County baseball coach John Altobelli, his daughter Alyssa and wife Keri died in helicopter crash along with Kobe Bryant.

More: https://t.co/WI4U9la5KJ pic.twitter.com/UTE9SyZlVD

— Complex (@Complex) January 27, 2020

J.J. Altobelli was not on the plane.  He played shortstop for the Oregon Ducks four seasons from 2010-13.   He also was the head coach of the Portland Pickles of the West Coast League in 2015, the Pickles inaugural season, as well as being an assistant at Cal State Fullerton, and is currently a scout for the Boston Red Sox.

John Altobelli, a decorated JUCO baseball coach who impacted countless lives, was among those who died in this morning’s helicopter crash.

“He gets overshadowed by Kobe a little bit, but he was his own Kobe of the junior college baseball world.” … https://t.co/CyzKcEaBip

— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) January 27, 2020

Our hearts are with former Duck great J.J Altobelli after today’s tragedy in Calabasas. Deep roots with Oregon baseball amongst many others. Our deepest condolences to J.J., his family, the Bryant family, and all that were lost…we love you all.

— Oregon Duck Baseball (@OregonBaseball) January 27, 2020

Nine total victims were claimed in the crash.  Investigators are still looking into the causes of the crash.

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