DA says autopsy of Patriots fan who died after fight on field indicates ‘medical problem’, not ‘traumatic injury’

Preliminary autopsy results indicated that a “medical problem,” not a “traumatic injury,” was a likely contributor to the death of a New England Patriots fan who collapsed after a fight with a Miami Dolphins fan Sunday at Gillette Stadium, the district attorney said. Norfolk County (Mass.) said Wednesday.

District Attorney Michael Morrissey said in a statement that the exact cause of death of Dale Mooney, 53, is undetermined and will require further testing, but preliminary results do not indicate that the punches directed by a man wearing a Dolphins jersey caused fatal injuries.

“Our investigation included numerous interviews with law enforcement and examination of multiple angles of video depicting the altercation prior to Mr. Del Mooney’s collapse during Sunday night’s game at Gillette Stadium,” Morrissey said. He added: “The initial autopsy results did not indicate a traumatic injury, but they did identify a medical problem.”

The investigation remains open and ongoing, Morrissey said, adding that any witness “who has not already been interviewed by police, or someone with original video of the incident” is asked to contact investigators with the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office. No charges were filed.

Fans who witnessed the incident told multiple media outlets that verbal exchanges between Mooney and a Dolphins fan turned violent after Mooney confronted a Dolphins fan during the fourth quarter on the 300 level of the stadium. The Dolphins fan was caught on phone video throwing at least one punch in Mooney’s direction, according to The Guardian Boston Globe.

The district attorney’s office said Monday that police and emergency personnel found Mooney “in apparent need of medical attention.” News agency. Mooney was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, officials told multiple outlets.

Gillette Stadium officials issued a statement to multiple outlets saying they were “saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Dale Mooney, a lifelong Patriots fan and 30-year season ticket member, who died while attending a Patriots game last Sunday night.”

“We continue to work with local authorities to assist them in their ongoing investigations,” the statement said. “We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Dale’s family and to all those who mourn his loss.”

(Photo: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)