An Orange Coast College baseball coach was among the nine people killed, including Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, when a helicopter crashed in Calabasas early Sunday morning.
John Altobelli died Sunday morning, according to college officials. Altobelli was the longest-tenured baseball coach in the school's history and was entering his 28th season.
Paramedics also helicoptered to the scene and were hoisted down to try to aid any possible survivors, but all died at the scene, officials said. Altobelli led the Pirates to more than 700 wins during his career and four state championships. The athletic director Jason Kehler issued a statement on the passing.
"John meant so much to not only Orange Coast College, but to baseball," said Coast Athletic Director Jason Kehler in a written statement. "He truly personified what it means to be a baseball coach. The passion that he put into the game, but more importantly his athletes, was second to none - he treated them like family."
Photo: Getty Images