HOUSTON, TX — Former University of Houston baseball player John Altobelli was reportedly among the people killed in the helicopter crash that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant on Sunday, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Altobelli was the longtime head baseball coach at Orange Coast College.
After two seasons at two different California junior colleges, Altobelli transferred to the University of Houston in 1983.
Altobelli was a two-year team captain and starting outfielder for the Cougars. In his senior season, the team advanced to the NCAA Regional Finals, falling one win short of a College World Series appearance.
In 1987, Altobelli graduated from UH with a degree in physical education.
“John meant so much to not only Orange Coast College, but to baseball,” said Coast Athletic Director Jason Kehler. “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. Our deepest condolences go out to the Altobelli family during this time of tragedy.”
