Longtime Laguna Blanca School science teacher and golf coach Peter Angeloff was fatally injured in a motorcycle crash on Highway 154 Tuesday.
On Thursday, the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Bureau identified Angeloff, 70, of Santa Barbara, as the victim of the crash, which is being investigated by the California Highway Patrol.
“There are no words to shelter us from the shock and pain of his passing,” Laguna Blanca School officials wrote in a community message Thursday.
Peter “Ace” Angeloff joined the school in 1983.
“The study of the natural world has been Peter’s life pursuit, and he shared this passion with his students not only in the classroom, but in the Sierra and local back country during the LBS Outing Club’s many annual wilderness trips.
“Affectionately known as “Ace,” Peter said he liked to think of himself as a Natural Philosopher, asserting that we are all students of science “for our complete lives.” He was trained in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with advanced degrees in philosophy and science education.
“Before Laguna, Peter had worked as an assistant to physicists, chemists, and engineers. He always considered himself extremely fortunate to have been able to pursue his interests in science, education, wilderness exploration, and athletics as a career at Laguna Blanca School.
“Peter loved to support his students inside and outside of the classroom. He attended every home game to encourage his fellow Owls, and he never missed an opportunity to showcase his omelet making skills during UPick classes, to laugh about the cosmos, and to connect with students one-on-one.
“He was our esteemed golf coach and we celebrated his passion for the sport and his dedication to our community with the annual Angeloff Alumni Golf & Tennis Classic,” school officials wrote.
Laguna Blanca School has counseling support available for faculty and staff members, students, and alumni.
On Tuesday, the CHP said Angeloff was eastbound on the highway when, for unknown reasons, he crossed the double yellow lines and traveled into the westbound lanes, onto the shoulder, and off the roadway near Paradise Road.
Angeloff, who was ejected from his motorcycle and ended up down a steep ravine, died of his injuries at the scene, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact CHP Officer Green at 805.688.5551.
— Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.