July 26, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Memorial service for the Altobelli family planned Monday, Feb. 10 at Angel Stadium

OCC baseball coach John Altobelli was one of nine victims in a helicopter crash. (Photo courtesy OCC media relations)

A memorial service will be held on Monday, Feb. 10 at Angel Stadium for Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and 13-year-old daughter Alyssa, who died along with six others in a helicopter crash Sunday, Jan. 26.

The service begins at 4 p.m., is open to the public and there will be no admission charge, according to OCC’s interim baseball coach Nate Johnson.

Guy Lemmon of the Ryan Lemmon Foundation said he is overseeing the planning of the event on behalf of the Altobelli family.

The helicopter crash also killed the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. The Altobelli’s and Bryants became friends when Bryant began coaching Altobelli’s daughter on his Mambas youth basketball team and were on their way to a youth basketball game in Calabasas.

Orange Coast College has established a memorial fund for the Altobelli family. Altobelli, who led OCC to four state titles, was about to enter his 28th year as Pirates head coach.

A special tribute was held for him before last week’s season opener at OCC. Johnson said his players will attend the memorial.

RELATED: OC baseball coaches devastated by Coach Altobelli’s death

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com