The tragic helicopter crash amid foggy conditions in Calabasas, California was devastating in a number of ways.
Nine precious lives were taken too soon. Joining NBA legend Kobe Bryant on the flight to watch their daughters basketball game was a dear friend of Texas baseball coach David Pierce.
John Altobelli, a 56-year-old head baseball coach at Orange Coast College, had a close relationship with Pierce. They had been college roommates and remained in contact throughout the years, last spending time with each other earlier this month.
John, his wife Teri, and youngest daughter Alyssa were among the nine deceased. Pierce shared a heartfelt statement earlier this morning regarding the death of his close friend.
— David Pierce (@DP5hookem) January 27, 2020
Pierce reiterated the impact Altobelli had on the baseball community and how he positively changed the lives of many ballplayers. Altobelli’s daughter Alyssa was best friends and teammates with Kobe and Vanessa Bryant’s daughter Gianni.
Pierce and Altobelli played collegiate baseball together at the University of Houston in 1984 and 1985.