What Happened at Gillette Stadium?
Apparently, the two football fans had a short interaction that led to a physical altercation. In the video clips, it’s clear that the fans around them were attempting to break up the aggressive fight.
Source: YouTube
Shortly after it began, the stadium’s security team got involved, but sadly, it was too late. Dale Mooney was already unconscious.
On-Site Medics Attempted CPR
When the on-site medics arrived, they administered CPR to an unresponsive Mooney. Then, an ambulance was called, and Mooney was rushed to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro.
Source: YouTube
Sadly, he was pronounced dead just before midnight, only a few hours after the altercation.
Witnesses Described the Fight as Brutal
In the 300-tier section of the stadium, there were hundreds of people near the fight and several right next to the two men.
Source: Facebook
Witness Joseph Kilmartin explained that the attack was “hard to watch… he punched him three times, and the man just went out.”
Who Was Dale Mooney?
The Patriots fan who died that night was named Dale Mooney, a 53-year-old resident of New Market, New Hampshire; Mooney had been a season ticket holder for the New England Patriots for 30 years.
Source: YouTube
The Patriots fan who died that night was named Dale Mooney, a 53-year-old resident of New Market, New Hampshire; Mooney had been a season ticket holder for the New England Patriots for 30 years.
Proud Father, Husband, and Patriots Fan
Father of two boys, Aaron and Brandon, and husband to Lisa Mooney, Dale is remembered as “constantly laughing and creating moments with them throughout their lives.”
Source: YouTube
One of his close friends wrote a tribute on Facebook, stating, “Dale Mooney was a great man. One of [the] nicest guys you could ever meet.”
Mooney’s Wife Lisa Speaks Out
Dale had been married to his wife Lisa for more than 20 years, and after hearing that her beloved husband had passed, she told the press she felt completely “numb.”
Source: YouTube
She went on to explain that she was confused and saddened by the fight. She said, “I don’t know what happened… it takes a lot to get him mad,” and continued, “I don’t understand why people have to go to that extreme. Why can’t it just be fun, that’s all it’s supposed to be, just a fun family event.”
Mooney’s Death Was the First in Gillette’s History
Although the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins are considered rival teams by some, violence at their or any NFL games is extremely rare.
Source: Rick Friedman/Corbis/Getty Images
In fact, Mooney’s death was the first ever recorded at Gillette Stadium after 20 years of hundreds of games.
An Official Autopsy May Show Mooney Didn’t Die From the Fight Itself
After the on-site medics, the EMTs, and even the doctors at the nearby hospital were unable to revive Mooney, he was declared dead just hours after the fight.
Source: iStock
However, while many are assuming that the blows are what ended Mooney’s life, a new autopsy report claims that the man actually died of an undisclosed “medical issue.”
Prosecutors Report Trauma Was Not the Cause of Death
In the latest reports, local prosecutors investigating the incident say that according to the initial autopsy, it may not have been trauma from the fight that killed Dale Mooney but a “medical issue” instead.
Source: Advance ER
However, the District Attorney’s Office from Norfolk wants to make it exceptionally clear that this is only an initial assessment and that the investigation is very much open and ongoing.
The Name of the Attacker Has Not Been Released
As local authorities continue to investigate the situation, they will release the final cause of death and decide whether or not this is a murder investigation or simply an unfortunate and untimely death.
Source: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
As of now, the name of the Dolphins fan who reportedly hit Dale Mooney and whether or not he’s in police custody is not public information.
Support for the Mooney Family
As his wife and two children mourn the loss of their father, friends, loved ones, and other Patriots fans have been collecting funds to support the Mooneys through a GoFundMe page.
Source: GoFundMe
No matter what happened that day at Gillette Stadium, Dale Mooney’s death is an incredibly sad story, and he will certainly be missed by his family and his community.