Death of Nancy Kerrigan's Father Ruled a Homicide; Family Says No One is to Blame

The death of Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan's father has been ruled a homicide by a Massachusetts state medical examiner, but the family says no one is to blame, according to The Associated Press.

An autopsy showed that Daniel Kerrigan died from a heart rhythm problem after his windpipe was damaged from a physical altercation, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone told the AP. Kerrigan died at age 70 on Jan. 24 after an altercation with his son, Mark.

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The autopsy also showed that Kerrigan had high blood pressure and clogged arteries.The Kerrigan family issued a statement criticizing the autopsy report and saying they believed Daniel's death was caused by a heart condition.

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

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Daniel Kerrigan died after an argument with Mark over the use of a telephone that ended with Mark grabbing his father by the neck, according to police. Mark was noticeably intoxicated and belligerent with the officers, the police report said. Mark has pleaded not guilty to assault and battery on an elderly person and is currently undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.

Miner could not be reached for comment.