65-year-old owner of auto body shop found dead in Queens
WHITESTONE, Queens (WABC) -- An autopsy has revealed that the owner of an auto shop in Queens found dead inside his business died by suicide.
Mike Koloniaris was found Monday around 3 p.m. at Mekniko Autoworks on Cross Island Parkway.
Officials say the 65-year-old's cause of death was sharp force trauma of the neck and arm.
Longtime customers say the victim owned the shop with his brother and they worked together and were always there.
Neighbors say he was always dependable.
"He was a nice guy, he was a wonderful, you came, any problem with your car, you brought it in," a neighbor said. "The two brothers worked, they fixed cars, foreign cars and all. I mean you couldn't ask for a better guy."
Others said he was a joy to be around.
"It's been here since 1979 and he was always here every day working on cars, he loved it, he loved working on cars," a friend said. "That was his thing. Some people go to work and they hate it. He loved it."
If you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises please call or text the new three-digit code at 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.
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