FOXBORO, MASS. (WHDH) - Preliminary autopsy results for a fan who collapsed during Sunday’s Patriots game did not suggest traumatic injury but did identify a medical issue, the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office announced.
The DA’s office shared its latest update Wednesday morning, several days after officials said Dale Mooney died following an incident in the stands at Gillette Stadium late in this weekend’s game between the Patriots and Dolphins.
State police previously said Mooney, 53, suffered an “apparent medical incident” in the 308/309 section of the stadium. Emergency crews responded and Mooney was taken to an Attleboro hospital where he died, according to state police.
As an investigation continued Tuesday, witnesses told 7NEWS they saw a fight near Mooney before EMTs rushed to his aid.
“These heroes were doing everything they could,” said witness Keith Noonan. “We could see at that point that it was already done.”
The DA’s office on Wednesday said its investigation “has included numerous law enforcement interviews and the examination of multiple angles of video capturing the scuffle prior to Mr. Dale Mooney’s collapse during the Sunday night game at Gillette Stadium.”
The DA’s office did not specify the medical issue referenced in its statement and said the cause and manner of Mooney’s death “remain undetermined pending further testing.”
While the DA’s office said autopsy results did not suggest traumatic injury, those who knew and loved Dale and who saw cell phone video of him getting punched shared their thoughts.
Colleague and friend Justin Snyder said he texted Dale’s phone after Sunday’s events asking if he was okay.
“That’s when his wife answered me back and said ‘Unfortunately, it is true,'” Snyder told 7NEWS.
Snyder said he had known Mooney for five years. Snyder said he saw video of fists flying and believes that’s what claimed his friend’s life.
“He never complained about having any medical issues,” Snyder said “Not even like — he never talked about even cholesterol problems or anything like that. So, that’s why I’m baffled about this.”
Joe Kilmartin, who witnessed the fight, spoke to Inside Edition about what he saw Sunday night.
“Somebody pulls his shirt over his head,” Kilmartin said. “His head popped up. The Dolphins fan delivered two punches to his head.”
“He fell back into his seat, clearly unconscious,” Kilmartin continued. “And he never regained consciousness.”
Mooney had been married to his wife, Lisa, for more than 20 years and was a father to two sons — Brandon and Aaron — according to a GoFundMe page raising money to support Mooney’s family.
The description attached to the page said Mooney was “a loving soul who cared so much for those he loved.”
The description further described Mooney as a “hardworking family man” and said he was “constantly laughing and creating moments” with his sons throughout their lives.
“His legacy lives on through Lisa, Brandon, and Aaron,” the description said.
Speaking with 7NEWS, Snyder said he is mourning a family man and all around good guy.
“Just a wonderful person,” Snyder continued. “The world is at a loss right now. They’re at a loss for him not being around.”
The GoFundMe page for Mooney’s family had raised more than $16,000 toward a goal of $25,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
The DA’s office said its investigation remained “open and ongoing” on Wednesday and asked any eyewitnesses who have not already been interviewed by police to contact state police detectives at 781-830-4990. Anyone with original video of the incident in the stands Sunday night is also asked to contact detectives.
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