Gerrit Cole Releases Statement After Surprising OCC Team That Lost Coach in Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash

The world is still reeling over the traumatizing helicopter crash outside of Los Angeles on Sunday that claimed the lives of nine individuals, including Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.

Orange Coast College head baseball coach John Altobelli, along with his wife, Keri, and daughter, Alyssa, also perished in the accident.

Altobelli was gearing up for his 28th season with OCC, and on Tuesday, his Pirates took to the field for their first game of the season. Among the 2,000 fans in attendance to pay their respects was New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who released a touching statement on social media after the game.

The unspeakable tragedy that has left millions grieving hits particularly close to home with Cole, who is from Orange County. In benevolent fashion, the three-time All-Star took the time to mention one of Altobelli's two surviving children, his son JJ, a scout for the Boston Red Sox, who competed against Cole in college.

The Pirates must be devastated being forced to defend their 2019 state title without their beloved HC, and Cole's presence surely brought a smile to a number of players and fans in attendance.

In Altobelli's honor, OCC players sported No.14 uniforms and a sleeve that featured his name.

This was a classy move from Cole, and it's nothing we wouldn't expect.

It's moving to see so many celebrities come together and attempt to give back in the wake of such a demoralizing calamity.