Nancy Kerrigan's family insists no one to blame for father's death

An autopsy report on the death of Nancy Kerrigan's father was criticized by the Olympic figure skater's family Tuesday, who insisted no one is to blame for his death.

A Massachusetts medical examiner ruled Daniel Kerrigan's death a homicide, finding that he died of a heart rhythm problem after allegedly getting into an argument with his son. The medical examiner also found that Kerrigan suffered injuries to his neck that resulted in a damaged windpipe prior to his death.

"The Kerrigan family is extremely disappointed that the medical examiner would release a cause of death without having all of the relevant facts," said Tracey Miner, the Kerrigan family attorney, in a statement. "The Kerrigan family does not blame anyone for the unfortunate death of Dan Kerrigan, who had a pre-existing heart condition."

Mark Kerrigan pleaded not guilty to a felony assault charge after allegedly telling police that he place his hands on his father's neck during an altercation with him Jan. 24. New charges could be filed against Kerrigan based on the findings.

"As a result of these conclusions of the medical examiner, the investigation into Daniel Kerrigan's death, and whether any charges in connection with his death are appropriate, remains ongoing," Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone said in a statement.

Over the last two decades, Mark Kerrigan has been convicted of drunken driving, assault and battery, domestic assaults, resisting arresting and a restraining order violation, according to the Associated Press. His parents tried to sue him in 2008 to recover $105,000 they paid toward the mortgage of a home he owned, the Associated Press reported. A judge later threw out the lawsuit based on a lack of documentation.

Kerrigan was released from jail in November after serving time for an assault conviction.

-- Austin Knoblauch

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photo: Daniel Kerrigan poses with his wife, Brenda, outside their Massachusetts home in 1994. Credit: Susan Walsh / Associated Press

Comments

[stonermoog]

they've protected this kid long enough and he has repaid them by being instrumental in the death of their beloved husband/father. and they are still trying to protect him from his own actions. it's a sick family dynamic and this guy has to be held accountable for his actions at some point. what happens when he does something to someone who is NOT a family member? they won't be able to sweep that into the corner and ignore it. better to put him away now.

[ladyofargonne]

A crushed larynx and they are still making excuses for Marks' behavior. If they had cut him off years ago their father would still be alive and Mark would have been forced to straighten out. Three sober people enabling the weakness of a third with tragic consequences. Who's next - one of Nancy's kids?

[ThunderMouth]

This has always been a holy-than-thou family. Elitists who think they are above the law. They are horrified the family name is in danger. Mark Kerrigan is a drunk, loser who attacked his father, and caused his death.

[Mark]

"Why me?? Boooo-Hooooo!!! WHHHYYYY MEEEEE???

[Barbara]

The family has always protected Marc against the consequences of his actions, and this is the result. His ex-wife told NBC this morning that Mark was violent towards her, beat her and choked her, and when she told his father, he just walked away. The netire family seems to be in denial.