Westerville, Ohio – Tragedy struck the local sports community on Thursday, as retired softball coach Jerry Kelbley lost his life in an accident on a softball field near Westerville Central High School. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office confirmed the news on Friday, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit softball community that Kelbley had been a beloved part of for decades.
Kelbley, who retired in 2017 after 36 seasons as the head softball coach at Westerville South High School, was well-known not only for his coaching skills but also for his dedication to the upkeep and maintenance of the fields where he spent much of his life. He died while working on the field he loved at around 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, authorities confirmed.
According to the police, the accident occurred during the routine task of “dragging” the field, a process that involves the use of machinery to break up clods of dirt and ensure the playing surface remains smooth and playable. While further details of the accident have not been fully disclosed, it is believed that Kelbley was operating or working near the machinery when the fatal incident occurred.
Kelbley’s longtime friend and fellow coach, Brian Wamsley, who currently coaches the softball team at Westerville Central High School, was deeply saddened by the loss of his colleague and friend. Wamsley described Kelbley as a man who had an extraordinary passion for the game and an unrivaled commitment to maintaining the quality of the fields. “A well-maintained field makes the game move faster, and it makes the kids play better,” Kelbley had often told Wamsley during their time together as coaches.
“He died doing what he loved,” Wamsley reflected, adding that if Kelbley could have chosen a place to spend his final moments, it would likely have been on a softball field. “He loved the game that much.”
Kelbley’s impact on the Westerville community extended far beyond his skills as a coach and groundskeeper. He was an innovative thinker in the sport of softball, constantly looking for ways to improve not only his team’s performance but also the environment in which they played. His meticulous care for the fields was a reflection of his broader approach to life and sports: attention to detail, commitment, and a deep love for what he did.
Throughout his career at Westerville South, Kelbley shaped the lives of countless young athletes, many of whom went on to speak about the profound influence he had on them, both on and off the field. As Wamsley noted, “I mean, all the kids have played for him over the years. It’s just unbelievable, the lives he’s touched.” Kelbley wasn’t just a coach; he was a mentor, a role model, and a source of inspiration for many.
Plans are currently underway for a memorial service or vigil to honor Kelbley’s memory, although no specific date has been set. The outpouring of grief from the community, former players, and fellow coaches underscores the far-reaching legacy he leaves behind. For many, his passing marks the end of an era, as his contributions to the local sports scene were both significant and lasting.
Kelbley’s tragic death has also raised questions about the safety protocols surrounding the maintenance of sports fields. The use of machinery, such as the one involved in Thursday’s accident, is a common practice, but the accident has prompted local authorities to review safety measures to prevent future incidents. According to *Sports Field Management Magazine*, field dragging machines, though essential for maintaining playing surfaces, must be operated with caution, especially during inclement weather or when the ground is uneven. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) typically oversees such safety concerns, and further investigation may follow to determine if additional precautions could have averted the tragedy.
For now, however, the focus remains on remembering Kelbley for the life he lived, the people he impacted, and the game he cherished. His death is a significant loss to the Westerville community, but his legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable career.
As Wamsley aptly put it, “He loved this game more than anyone I’ve ever met, and that love was contagious. He wasn’t just a coach – he was family to all of us.”
Kelbley is survived by his family, friends, former players, and an entire community that mourns his untimely passing. His memory will undoubtedly be honored in the coming days, as those who knew him come together to celebrate the life of a man who gave so much to the sport and the people who played it.