Oct. 5, 2011

Former ORU outfielder killed in Afghanistan

Marine First Lt. Ryan Iannelli, a former outfielder at Oral Roberts, was killed recently in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

Iannelli was a four-year member of the Golden Eagles. He was on the squad that advanced to the Clemson Super Regional in 2006 after winning the Fayetteville Regional. A native of Clarksboro, N.J., Iannelli graduated from ORU in 2006 with a degree in public relations and advertising. He later earned an MBA from Felician College.

According to The Star-Ledger, Iannelli was a 27-year-old pilot assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Marine Air Group 29, 2nd Marine Air Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and was involved in combat operations.