Wake held for figure skater Nancy Kerrigan’s father, who died after struggle with his son

Mass. wake held for Nancy Kerrigan’s father

STONEHAM, Mass. — Family and friends have gathered near Boston at a wake for the father of figure skater Nancy Kerrigan.

Seventy-year-old Daniel Kerrigan died Sunday after what authorities say was a violent struggle with his son Mark Kerrigan. Family members have said he died of an unrelated heart attack.

As the wake began Wednesday afternoon, a spokeswoman read a family statement calling Daniel Kerrigan a man “whose family was the center of his world.”

The statement said Nancy Kerrigan, a two-time Olympic medalist, called her father “my support” who was “behind me always.” She said he was like an extra parent to her three children.

Mark Kerrigan has pleaded not guilty to assault. Authorities are awaiting forensic tests on the cause of his father’s death.

A private funeral is scheduled Thursday.

(This version DELETES incorrect reference to Kerrigan winning gold medals.)