FOXBORO, Mass. – Authorities are investigating the death of a New Hampshire father who died after an incident in the stands during Sunday night’s New England Patriots-Miami Dolphins game at Gillette Stadium.
The man suffered an “apparent medical event” in section 308/309 of the stadium in the fourth quarter of the game around 11 p.m., according to Massachusetts State Police. He was rushed to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, where he was pronounced dead just before midnight.
The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office later identified the man as 53-year-old Dale Mooney, of Newmarket, New Hampshire.
Mooney’s wife Lisa told Boston 25 that her husband is a lifelong Patriots fan who has been a season-ticket holder for 30 years. She also described him as a “good father” to their two grown sons.
Lisa Mooney said her husband traveled to Foxborough from their home and attended the Patriots-Dolphin game with friends. She said she was told her husband was booed by several Dolphins fans during the game, which led to an alleged physical altercation in the 300s section of the stadium.
Video sent to Boston 25 News shows security moving to break up an apparent fight before Mooney was knocked unconscious.
“It looked like people were grabbing and exchanging blows at one point when the man in the dolphins jersey punched the victim twice in the face causing the victim to fall out of his seat unconscious,” said by Joey Kilmartin who was a witness.
Kilmartin recorded the commotion four rows behind him and shared it with investigators after it happened.
“The guy in the dolphins jersey was hauled away by the police and that’s when everyone noticed something was wrong a minute or so later the guy was still motionless he wasn’t breathing at all,” Kilmartin said.
Mooney’s wife said she believes the footage captured here at Gillette will prove he never threw a punch.
Sources told Boston 25 News that investigators are now awaiting the findings of the Medical Examiner to help determine if that confrontation played a role in Mooney’s death.
The DA’s office said no charges have been filed at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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