A supporter of the New England Patriots who passed away following a “scuffle” at an NFL game had a preliminary autopsy that did not “suggest traumatic injury but did identify a medical issue,” according to officials.
According to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, Dale Mooney, a 53-year-old New Hampshire man, passed away after a “scuffle” during Sunday night’s Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game at Massachusetts’ Gillette Stadium. According to the prosecution, Mooney passed out and was brought to a hospital.
Witness Joseph Kilmartin told Boston ABC affiliate WCVB that Mooney “basically grabbed another fan. … They started tussling around for a few minutes. At one point, another fan walked over. He punched him … and [Mooney] just went out.”
“It was pretty hard to watch,” Kilmartin said.
The cause and manner of Mooney’s death are “undetermined pending further testing,” the district attorney’s office announced on Wednesday.
Mooney’s wife, Lisa Mooney, told WCVB, “I want to know what happened. … What caused this?”
On Wednesday, prosecutors confirmed that the probe was still ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or had video of it was requested to contact the investigators at 781-830-4990 by the prosecution.
Gillette Stadium officials said in a statement, “We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Dale Mooney, a lifelong Patriots fans and 30-year season ticket member.”
“We continue to work with local authorities to assist them with their ongoing investigation,” stadium officials said. “We extend our sincerest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Dale’s family and to all those who are mourning his loss.”
