FOXBORO, Mass. — Authorities are investigating the death of a New Hampshire father who died after an “incident” in the stands during the New England Patriots-Miami Dolphins game Sunday night at Gillette Stadium.
According to Massachusetts State Police, the man suffered an “apparent medical incident” in the stadium’s 308/309 section during the fourth quarter of the game around 11 p.m. He was taken to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, where he was pronounced dead shortly before midnight.
The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office later identified the man as 53-year-old Dale Mooney of Newmarket, New Hampshire.
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Mooney’s wife, Lisa, told Boston 25 News that her husband was a lifelong Patriots fan and had held a season ticket for 30 years. She also described him as a “good father” to her two adult sons.
Lisa Mooney says her husband traveled from home to Foxborough and attended the Patriots-Dolphins game with friends. She said she was told that her husband was taunted by several Dolphins fans during the game, which led to an alleged physical altercation in the 300 section of the stadium.
A video sent to Boston 25 News shows stadium security stepping in to break up an apparent fight before Mooney lost consciousness.
“At first it looked like people were grabbing each other and pulling each other. At one point, the guy in the Dolphins jersey punched the victim twice in the face and then the victim fell unconscious in his seat,” said Joey Kilmartin, a witness.
Kilmartin recorded the commotion that unfolded four rows behind him and shared it with investigators immediately after the incident.
“The guy in the Dolphins jersey was dragged away by the police and about a minute later everyone noticed something was wrong. The guy still hadn’t moved, it really didn’t look like he was breathing,” Kilmartin said.
Lisa believes the footage taken at Gillette will prove her husband didn’t throw a single punch.
Sources tell Boston 25 News that investigators are now awaiting the coroner’s findings to determine whether that confrontation played a role in Mooney’s death.
The DA’s office said no charges will be filed at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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