Mario Danelo, USC Place Kicker Found Deceased at Bottom of Cliff

Mario Danelo, the son of former NY Giant kicker Joe Danelo, was found deceased at the bottom of a 120 foot cliff in San Pedro, CA. Mario Danelo was the junior place kicker for the University of Southern California Trojans. What a tragic shame and a life cut way too short as he most likely had a professional career ahead of him. So very sad, may he rest in peace.

“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.

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. (Fox News)

Speaking on behalf of Trojans coach Pete Carroll, USC spokesman Tim Tessalone said:

“We were stunned to hear about this tragedy.

This is a great loss. Mario was a wonderful young man of high character. (WJZ)