An autopsy report has determined that Bill McGinley, the father of musician Nathan James, died from atherosclerotic and valvular heart disease. The 72-year-old man was discovered deceased in late July after disappearing during a routine cycling trip in Louisville, Colorado.
The autopsy report, obtained by Us Weekly on Monday, August 24, classified the manner of death as natural. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease develops when plaque accumulates in the arterial walls of the heart, according to the American Heart Association.
McGinley's disappearance sparked an urgent search after he failed to return from what his son described as a regular bike ride. On July 29, James alerted authorities and the public through social media, providing detailed information about his father's appearance and route.
In an Instagram post, James wrote that his father had been riding a specialized white gravel bike while wearing a white helmet, white shoes, black tights, and a blue cycling jersey. The route included the 36th bike path, Davidson Mesa near Harper Lake, and roads leading back to McGinley's residence near Waneka Lake in Lafayette.
The musician emphasized the close relationship he shared with his father, noting their frequent communication. James stated in his Instagram post that he spoke with his father two to three times daily and had done so since he first owned a phone. He appealed to local residents for assistance in locating McGinley, writing that his father meant the world to him.
Police discovered McGinley's body on July 31, two days after James reported him missing. The rocker shared the devastating news through an Instagram video that afternoon.
"The police found him earlier this afternoon today and he is no longer with us," James said in the video. "R.I.P. to my dad. He was my best friend. I love him. I have been an emotional roller coaster ride like none other that I've ever been through."
James described the psychological toll of the experience, explaining the difficulty of processing his father's disappearance followed by the confirmation of his death. He expressed gratitude to those who supported him during the search and encouraged others to cherish their relationships with loved ones.
In his video message, James urged people to communicate openly with those they care about, emphasizing the importance of expressing love and support while there is still time.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
