Jerry Kelbly Obituary, Death – Jerry Kelbly, a retired softball coach, was identified as the man who tragically died in an accident on a softball field near Westerville Central High School. The coroner’s office confirmed his identity on Friday. Kelbly, who retired in 2017, had a distinguished 36-season career coaching at Westerville South High School. His contributions to the sport were widely recognized, with Brian Wamsley, the current softball coach at Westerville Central High School and a longtime friend of Kelbly, praising him as an innovative coach who excelled at field maintenance.
The accident occurred around 2:15 p.m. on Thursday while Kelbly was working on the fields near Westerville Central High School. The incident took place during routine field maintenance, specifically while “dragging” the field, a process that involves using machinery to break up clumps of dirt and soil.
Wamsley noted that Kelbly was passionate about keeping the fields in top condition, which he believed improved the quality of the game and the performance of the players. He fondly remembered Kelbly’s dedication to the sport, reflecting on how Kelbly would have preferred to spend his final moments doing something he loved.
In honor of Kelbly’s memory and his impact on the community, Wamsley mentioned that a memorial service or vigil might be organized, though no date has been set yet. Wamsley expressed the profound effect Kelbly had on the lives of many, including countless players who had the privilege of being coached by him.
The news of Kelbly’s passing has deeply affected the community, highlighting the significant role he played in local sports and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.