FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — The death of a 65-year-old man whose body was found at the base of a cliff near a northern Colorado reservoir has been ruled an accident.
The Larimer County Coroner’s Office says Dr. Daniel Jinich died of blunt force head injuries from a fall of about 75 feet off a cliff.
The Coloradoan reports that Jinich was a family practitioner in Fort Collins. He also served as the physician for the Colorado Eagles, a minor league hockey team based in Loveland.
His body was found Thursday near Horsetooth Reservoir.
Authorities say the steep and rocky terrain along with thick brush made it difficult for first responders and investigators to reach the body.
In a statement, the Colorado Eagles reacted to the death the team physician.
“It was absolutely heartbreaking to learn of the passing of a great doctor, a great friend and a great man,” said Eagles president and general manager Chris Stewart. “Dr. Jinich was a special person who touched the lives of our players and staff and he will be so deeply missed by all of us with the Colorado Eagles, both past and present. He served as the family physician to dozens of our players, our staff and their children and we have always considered him a vital member of our team. We join with his family in mourning his loss and in remembering the legacy of kindness, humor and wisdom that he leaves behind.”
The team will be honoring Dr. Jinich with a moment of silence prior to the start of the team’s next home game on Friday, April 12, according to the statement.
