Here's what we know about death of Patriots fan at Sunday's game who was punched by another fan

A New England Patriots fan died after being punched in the head by another fan at Sunday night's Dolphins-Patriots game in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The initial autopsy report indicated the punches probably did not cause his death, but the incident remains under investigation.

Dale Mooney, 53, of Newmarket, New Hampshire, suffered a medical issue late in the Dolphins' 24-17 win at Gillette Stadium on Sunday night. He was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead around midnight.

Witnesses said a man allegedly wearing a Dolphins jersey hit Mooney twice in the face before he slumped over. The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office said Wednesday that preliminary autopsy results show Mooney did not suffer a traumatic injury and the investigation was ongoing.

Here's what we know about the incident:

What happened at Gillette Stadium?

About 11 p.m. Sunday, police and security responded to a man at the Dolphins vs. Patriots game who required medical attention, the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office said Monday. The man was Mooney, who was in the upper deck of Gillette Stadium.

Mooney's wife, Lisa Mooney, said her husband went to the game with three friends who said they were taunted by other fans throughout the game. Another witness told reporters that Mooney, who was a Patriots fan, and a man in a Dolphins jersey were arguing and tussling.

“We saw a Dolphins fan wearing a Dolphins jersey deliver two punches to the victim, and the victim just slumped over,” Joey Kilmartin said.

“There were some people trying to pull them apart and, as they tried to pull them apart, a Dolphins fan punched Mr. Mooney,” he said. “That is when he fell back in the seat and was clearly unconscious. You could definitely tell there was more than a knock out. There was definitely a medical issue happening with his body.”

Mooney was taken to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, about 15 miles south of Gillette Stadium. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The fan who threw the punch was escorted away by police, Kilmartin told reporters.

Who is Dale Mooney?

Dale Mooney was a 53-year-old father of two. His wife, Lisa Mooney, said he held season tickets to Patriots games for 30 years.

Gillette Stadium officials sent their condolences in a statement: "We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Dale Mooney, a lifelong Patriots fans and 30-year season ticket member."

"We continue to work with local authorities to assist them with their ongoing investigation," stadium officials said. "We extend our sincerest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Dale’s family and to all those who are mourning his loss."

Did Mooney die from the punches?

While witness testimony shows Mooney being knocked unconscious after the punch, officials are saying his death was caused by a medical issue, not by traumatic injury.

“Preliminary autopsy results did not suggest traumatic injury, but did identify a medical issue,” according to a statement Wednesday by the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office. “Cause and manner of death remain undetermined pending further testing.”

The statement said the investigation included interviews with numerous law enforcement officials and "multiple angles of video capturing the scuffle prior to Mr. Dale Mooney’s collapse."

The district attorney's office said the investigation is ongoing.

Who is the other fan in the fight with the Patriots fan?

Officials have not released information on the person who punched Mooney.

Was the fan who threw the punches arrested?

No charges have been filed in the case as of Wednesday afternoon. The fan who punched Mooney was escorted away by police, according to witnesses.

What's the history between Dolphins fans and Patriots fans?

The two teams have been division rivals since the Dolphins joined the AFL in 1966. Miami and New England have played each other 116 times, with the Dolphins leading the rivalry 61-55.

After the Patriots dominated the rivalry under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick ― New England went 25-12 from 2001-2019 ― the Dolphins have regained momentum in recent years. Miami is 5-2 in the rivalry since 2020 and haven't lost in the five games started by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

More from Dolphins vs. Patriots: Mike McDaniel beating Bill Belichick in chess match has major implications | Habib

A long history tends to lead to resentment among fanbases. Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill said after Sunday's game that "those fans are some of the worst in the NFL and I’m gonna stand by that because they are nasty.

“Some of the things they were saying I wouldn’t say in church. So yeah, it felt great to wave goodbye to those fans and I’ll do it again. Goodbye.”

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Miami Dolphins fan fight: Patriots fan dies after punch at NFL game