Another Olympic-Sized Tragedy for Nancy Kerrigan; Dad Dead, Brother Arrested

Figure-skating champ's older brother booked on felony assault charge resulting from their father's sudden death Monday

Tonya Harding definitely has nothing to do with this one.

Authorities in Massachusetts have arrested Mark Kerrigan, the 45-year-old brother of former Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, in the death of their father, Daniel Kerrigan.

According to the Stoneham police, Mark Kerrigan was booked and charged with assault and battery on an elder person resulting in serious bodily injury.

The case has now been referred to the Middlesex County district attorney, who is continuing the investigation into Daniel's sudden death early Monday.

According to a Stoneham police report filed in court, officers were summoned to the Kerrigan residence, where both father and son live, at approximately 1:45 a.m. after receiving a call about an unresponsive man.

Upon arrival, officers learned of a dispute between the family members. After finding blood in the kitchen and further questioning, the cops subdued the younger Kerrigan with pepper spray and took him into custody. He was later taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of an undisclosed medical problem.

"[Mark Kerrigan] stated that he wanted to use the phone and his father would not let him. He struggled with his father and put his hands around his father's neck and his father fell to the floor," states the report. "He said that his father was faking it."

No official word on the cause of death, pending an autopsy.

However, the skating champ's mom, Brenda, defended her son of any wrongdoing, telling the Boston Herald that her husband died of natural causes.

"My god. [Daniel] had a heart attack," she said. "That's what it was."

A rep for Nancy Kerrigan was unavailable for comment. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday.