 The body of University of Southern California football player Mario Danelo was found about 120 feet down a rocky cliff on Saturday. Danelo, who was a place kicker for the USC Trojan’s, was found near Point Fermin lighthouse in San Pedro, overlooking the Los Angeles Harbor. An autopsy was conducted on Monday, but the cause of death remains "inconclusive" - though foul play has been ruled out.
"There's no crime," Los Angeles Police Dept. officer Mike Lopez said Sunday in a statement to the press. "It was either an accident or a suicide." "The investigation is continuing," said Los Angeles Police Department officer Norma Eisenman. "Right now it is ruled as an undetermined death." Danelo, the 21-year-old son of former NFL kicker Joe Danelo, 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 and is credited with helping USC beat Michigan, 32-18. Mario’s brother Joey said, "it was an unfortunate accident. He was a good kid," during a phone interview with the Associated Press. "There was not a person I know that didn't like him." "It was fairly apparent that this was either an accident or suicide," agreed Lt. Paul Vernon. While police have not completely ruled out foul play, Vernon said, "there didn't appear to be a crime involved." Further tests are being conducted to find out if Danelo had drugs or alchohol in his system at the time of his death. The full results could take weeks. Danelo’s body was discovered by someone flying a remote-control airplane that noticed something at the bottom of the cliff 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 and reports say he was last seen around midnight. A makeshift memorial was placed near the top of the steep cliff where Danelo fell. He will be greatly missed by his family and by USC fans, students and players.  Until next time!
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