Cause of Shaw football coach’s death reported
Shaw High School football coach and athletic director Al Pellegrino’s death was attributed to hypertensive cardiovascular disease, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported Thursday, citing the Orange County medical examiner in Orlando. Pellegrino died Monday at age 56 while vacationing.
Homegoing services will be held Monday at Cascade Hills Church in Columbus, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. A Celebration of Life Repast will follow the homecoming at Shaw, a high school in Columbus.
Pellegrino was a head football coach at seven schools that include Shaw (since 2017), Heritage in Conyers (2004-06), East Hall in Gainesville (2000-02), Savannah (1999) and Sycamore, Ripley and Lake County in Tennessee (2007-15). Lake County, in Tiptonville, Tenn., was Pellegrino’s alma mater.
About the Author
Todd Holcomb covers high school sports across the state. He rejoined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2025 and has worked with the AJC in varying capacities since 1985. He is a co-founder and editor of Georgia High School Football Daily.
