THREE victims of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant have been honoured in a special memorial service at the Angel Stadium.

Baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and their daughter, Alyssa were among nine people killed when Bryant's helicopter crashed in bad weather over Calabasas, California last month.

A date for Bryant's funeral is yet to be confirmed, but a public memorial is due to take place at the Staples Center on February 24.

The group had been on the way to a basketball practice at the Mamba Sports Academy, where Alyssa, 14, and Bryant's daughter Gianna, 14, who also died in the crash, were teammates.

Altobelli was entering his 28th season in his "dream job" coaching baseball at the Orange Coast College.

The family have two surviving children, JJ, 29, and Lexi, 16.

Speaking at the service alongside Lexi and his fiance, Carly Konigsfeld, JJ said: "On behalf of me, Lexi, and Carly, we can't thank everyone here enough.

"The amount of love and support we have received these last few weeks has been truly amazing.

"It really shows the impact that my dad, K, and Alyssa had on everyone here.

"The legacy they left will continue to live on through all of us.

"But for tonight, let's all live by my dad's favourite motto: Be drinking or thinking."

LOVING FAMILY

To mark the event, the Costa Mesa Fire Department brought two fire trucks to the stadium and hung a huge American flag between their cranes.

There was also a large collage featuring pictures of the family outside and a sign of the stadium entrance reading: "In loving memory of Also, K, and Alyssa."

The memorial saw a video tribute created by JJ and sports network ESPN played on the field's big screen followed by numerous tributes from family and friends.

The order of service described Alyssa as a loving daughter and sister who loved basketball and whose "radiant smile and giggle would always light up the room".

Keri was remembered as a "devoted wife and mom as well as a faithful friend" who was "already at your doorstep" before you had to ask her for help.

John, nicknamed Alto, was described as "a man who impacted everyone with whom he came in contact" and whose pride for his career "could only be matched by the pride he had for his family".

NOW: The memorial service for John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli who was killedin the Calabasas copter crash along with Kobe Bryant begins at Angel Stadium.http://bit.ly/2OIO9GR

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