Police: USC Kicker’s Death Likely Accident or Suicide
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LOS ANGELES — Foul play probably was not a factor in the death of Southern California kicker Mario Danelo, whose body was found about 120 feet down a rocky cliff, police said yesterday.
“It was fairly apparent that this was either an accident or suicide,” Lieutenant Paul Vernon said.
Danelo’s brother said yesterday that “it was an unfortunate accident.”
“He was a good kid,” Joey Danelo said during a phone interview with the Associated Press. “There was not a person I know that didn’t like him.”
Investigators were examining evidence recovered after Danelo’s body was found Saturday afternoon near Point Fermin lighthouse in the city’s San Pedro section. While police have not completely ruled out foul play, Mr. Vernon said “there didn’t appear to be a crime involved.” An autopsy could be performed as early as today, coroner’s officials said.
Someone flying a remote-control airplane noticed something at the bottom of the cliff Saturday and a friend hiked down to the beach and discovered the body, police officials said.
Investigators were looking into whether Danelo was out with friends Friday night. He was last seen around midnight, authorities said.
A makeshift memorial was placed near the top of the steep cliff where Danelo fell. A flag bearing the USC logo was spread out, surrounded by flowers and candles and a message reading “Rest in Peace Danelo” spraypainted on the ground.
Nearby, a sign warned: “Danger Do Not Enter Unstable and Slippery Surfaces Steep Drops.”
Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said investigators did not find a surf board, scuba-diving tanks, or anything else to indicate Danelo might have been down there for any of the recreational activities common to the area.
Mr. Humphrey said that over the years, a handful of people had fallen from the cliff.
“It’s entirely possible that he fell,” Mr. Humphrey said.
The 21-year-old son of former NFL kicker Joe Danelo, the college student made 15 of 16 field goals this season and led the Trojans in scoring with 89 points. The junior made two field goals in the Rose Bowl on Monday to help USC beat Michigan 32–18.
He only missed two field goals in his career, going 26-for-28, and was 127-of-134 on extra points. In 2005, he set NCAA single-season records with 83 extra points and 86 attempts.
