Initial autopsy results regarding the fan who died during the Miami Dolphins game at the New England Patriots on Sunday reportedly indicate his death was due to a “medical issue” and not a “traumatic injury.”
“Our 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,” district attorney Michael Morrissey said. “Preliminary autopsy results did not suggest traumatic injury, but did identify a medical issue.”
The Patriots fan, 53-year-old Dale Mooney of Newmarket, N.H, was a husband, father and longtime season ticket holder. He fell to the ground after reportedly being punched in the face by a man wearing a Dolphins jersey and never regained consciousness.
The Norfolk County (Mass.) district attorney said that preliminary results do not indicate that the punches caused the fatal injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
“We continue to work with local authorities to assist them with their ongoing investigation,” a statement from Gillette Stadium officials said. “We extend our sincerest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Dale’s family and to all those who are mourning his loss.”
The incident happened in the 300-tier section of Gillette Stadium. Another fan nearly lost his life Sunday after going into cardiac arrest but was saved by a pair of firefighters who gave him CPR.
Miami held on to win the Sunday night game against New England 24-17. It was the fifth straight win for Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa against Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and the fourth in the past five games overall for Miami against its AFC East rivals.
The Dolphins will play their home opener on Sunday against the Denver Broncos looking to start 3-0 for a second consecutive season. The Broncos will play their first road game of the season after losing their first two games at home.
Miami reportedly could have offensive tackle Terron Armstead back for his season debut after he practiced Wednesday with the intention for him to do even more work on Thursday. Arguably the Dolphins’ best offensive lineman, Armstead is recovering from back, ankle and knee injuries.
It is unknown if they will have wide receiver Jaylen Waddle or linebacker Jaelan Phillips available for the Week 3 contest. Waddle is in NFL concussion protocol after leaving the game against the Patriots in the fourth quarter, and Phillips did not play after injuring his back in practice last week.
