Alcohol and Violence from the Kerrigans

Nearly 16 years after a violent act put figure skater Nancy Kerrigan’s bid for Olympic gold in jeopardy and brought her unwanted fame, violence has her back in the spotlight.

Kerrigan’s 70-year-old father, Daniel, was found unconscious and bleeding on the kitchen floor of his Stoneham, Mass. home early on Sunday, January 24, 2010. He died shortly after he was discovered. The victim’s son (Kerrigan’s brother), Mark, has been charged with assault and battery.

Mark, 45 and a U.S. Army vet, lived in the basement of his parent’s home, according to The Boston Globe. Prosecutors allege he was drunk and attacked his father for not allowing him to use the phone. More serious charges could be added once the autopsy and investigation are concluded. Kerrigan has already pleaded not guilty to the original charges.

This isn’t Mark Kerrigan’s first brush with the law. He recently served more than two years for punching his wife and threatening her with a knife, The Globe reported.

Nancy Kerrigan arrived at her parents’ home later on Sunday and was visibly upset. Fellow figure skaters like Paul Wylie and Kristi Yamaguchi reportedly reached out the day of the incident to offer their condolences and support.

When he appeared in court following his arrest, Mark Kerrigan was shown sobbing with his head down. Only time will tell what role alcohol may have played in this tragedy, but it’s a sad story that is repeated too many times.

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