Patriots Fan Who Died After Fight at Game Had ‘Medical Issue,’ Autopsy Showed

Witnesses say the fan was punched twice in the head during a brawl.

The death of a Patriots fan involved in a fight during Week 2’s game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday may not have been caused by a “traumatic injury” but rather an unspecified “medical issue.” That information was revealed in an autopsy, according to a statement from the Norfolk County district attorney’s office Wednesday.

Dale Mooney, 53, collapsed after a brawl with rival fans during Sunday night's Dolphins-Patriots game. Witnesses, including a spectator who recorded video of the fight, said Mooney was punched at least twice in the head. The New Hampshire resident was found “in apparent need of medical attention” by police and stadium personnel responding to the scene.

“Preliminary autopsy results did not suggest traumatic injury, but did identify a medical issue,” said Norfolk County district attorney Michael Morrissey, per ESPN. Yet the specific medical issue Mooney suffered from was not identified. The exact cause of his death and the manner in which it occurred require further testing to determine.

A Patriots fan involved in a brawl with rival fans at Gillette Stadium on Sunday died after the altercation.  / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The investigation into Mooney’s death is still “open and ongoing,” according to Morrissey. The DA’s office is asking other eyewitnesses who saw what happened or recorded additional videos to contact the police. 

In a statement, Gillette Stadium officials said they were “heartbroken” by Mooney’s death. The 30-year season-ticket holder was described as a lifelong Patriots fan.