Initial autopsy results suggested that a “medical issue” rather than a “traumatic injury” may have contributed to the death of a New England Patriots fan who collapsed after a fight with a Miami Dolphins fan at Gillette Stadium on Sunday said the district attorney in Norfolk County (Mass.) on Wednesday.
The exact cause of death of 53-year-old Dale Mooney is unknown and requires further testing. However, preliminary findings do not indicate that the beating of a man wearing a Dolphins jersey resulted in his fatal injuries, District Attorney Michael Morrissey said in a statement.
“Our investigation included numerous interviews with law enforcement and examination of various video angles that captured the altercation prior to Mr. Dale Mooney’s collapse during Sunday night’s game at Gillette Stadium,” Morrissey said. “Preliminary autopsy results did not indicate a traumatic injury, but did indicate a medical problem.”
The investigation is ongoing, Morrissey said, adding that any witness “who has not already been interviewed by police or is in possession of original video of the incident” is asked to contact investigators at the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office turn around. No charges were filed.
Fans who witnessed the incident reported to multiple media outlets that the verbal exchange between Mooney and the Dolphins fan turned violent after Mooney confronted the Dolphins fan on the 300 level of the stadium in the fourth quarter. According to the Boston Globe, the Dolphins fan was caught on phone video throwing at least one punch in Mooney’s direction.
According to the Associated Press, police and emergency responders determined that Mooney “obviously required medical attention,” the DA’s office said Monday. Mooney was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, officials told multiple media outlets.
Gillette Stadium officials issued a statement to multiple media outlets saying they were “heartbroken to learn of the tragic death of Dale Mooney, a lifelong Patriots fan and 30-year season ticket member, who died when he attended the Patriots game last Sunday night.”
“We continue to work with local authorities to assist with their ongoing investigation,” the statement said. “We extend our sincerest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Dale’s family and all those mourning his loss.”
(Photo: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)