No foul play suspected in USC kickers death
July 3, 2008 · Updated 5:00 PM
LOS ANGELES (AP) Foul play probably was not a factor in the death of University 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.
Danelos 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 didnt like him.
Investigators were examining evidence recovered after Danelos body was found Saturday afternoon near Point Fermin lighthouse in the citys San Pedro section.
While police have not completely ruled out foul play, Vernon said there didnt appear to be a crime involved. An autopsy could be performed as early as Monday, coroners 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.
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