Police investigating death of USC kicker Danelo

LOS ANGELES -- Foul play likely 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 Sunday.

"It was fairly apparent that this was either an accident or suicide," said Lt. Paul Vernon.

Danelo's brother said Sunday 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, Vernon said "there didn't appear to be a crime involved." An autopsy could be performed as early as Monday, coroner's officials said.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2722825

My son went to school with Joey the brother mentioned in this story. I was shocked when I heard this. Mario had so much going for him that I can't imagine why he would commit suicede or why anyone would want to hurt him.

My sympathies are with the Danelo family now. They will have a lot of support from their community but nothing will fill the void created by this death. :cry:

bad spellings make me crazy :D

Several people "fell" off of that cliff.
Some had been drinking but they could never seem to rope it off so beer can drinkers weren't able to act crazy.

So sad.

That is the Royal Palms area while the spot in question is by the Pt. Fermin lighthouse.

He did so well for the Trojans and contributed to their many wins.

I admired his dad who played for the Giants and Bills and was hoping he could duplicate his success in the NFL.

My heartfelt condolences to his family.