Statement on the Death of Pechanga's Gabriel Pico

A newly elected member of the Pechanga Tribal Council died after being involved in an altercation outside a nightclub in Denver, where he had attended the Democratic National Convention, authorities said.

Following the fight at 2 a.m. Sunday, Gabriel Pico was rushed by ambulance to an area hospital where he died almost two days later, according to Sonny Jackson, spokesman for the Denver Police Department. Jackson said he had no information about Mr. Pico's injuries or condition following the altercation.
Jackson said the Denver Police Department is investigating Mr. Pico's death.
Mr. Pico, 41, was pronounced dead at 8:20 p.m. Monday, said Michelle Weiss-Samaras, chief deputy coroner for the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner, the agency conducting the autopsy.

A statement from the Pechanga Tribal Council released Tuesday said Mr. Pico also suffered a heart attack over the weekend. Family and friends were by his side at the time of his death, according to the statement.

Mr. Pico had recently been elected to his first term on the seven-member Pechanga Tribal Council in July. The council sets policy and administers programs for the tribe, which runs the Pechanga Resort and Casino outside Temecula.
"This is a big loss for our Tribe," said Chairman Mark Macarro. "Though Gabe had only been in office a few weeks, it was evident that he was a tremendous asset to the council and the tribe. He will be missed dearly."

Mr. Pico leaves behind three daughters, two sons, one grandson, six siblings, his mother, Bernice Pico, and several nephews and nieces. His father, the late Gabriel "Gibby" Pico, served as tribal chairman from 1982 to 1987.
Funeral services for Mr. Pico are being arranged, according to the council's statement.

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