- Father-of-two Dale Mooney, 53, collapsed and died after being hit in the head at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on September 17.
- John Vieira, 59, and Justin Mitchell, 39, both of Warwick, RI, have now been charged with assault, battery and disorderly conduct following the incident
- An autopsy previously ruled out a punch as the cause of his death – which may instead have been due to an undisclosed 'medical condition'
Two Rhode Island men have been charged with assault following the death of a New England Patriots fan during a scuffle at Gillette Stadium.
Father-of-two Dale Mooney, 53, collapsed after being hit in the head just before 11pm on September 17 at the site in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
John Vieira, 59, and Justin Mitchell, 39, both of Warwick, RI, have now been charged with assault, battery and disorderly conduct, according to the Sun Chronicle.
They have not been charged in Mooney's death, which remains under investigation.
Father-of-two Dale Mooney, 53, collapsed and died after being hit in the head just before 11pm on September 17 at the Massachusetts location.
The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office said police and fire responded to calls for medical assistance at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Sunday at 10:57 p.m. and that “the matter remains actively investigated.”
Videos from the Foxborough arena show security trying to break up a scuffle, and doctors administering CPR shortly afterwards as concerned fans looked on
Vieira and Mitchell will be arraigned in Wrentham District Court on January 19 and 26 respectively.
According to the court, police viewed twelve video footage from witnesses showing the struggle.
One disturbing clip showed Mooney, a longtime Patriots ticket holder wearing a Mac Jones No 10 jersey, being thrown at him by a Dolphins fan.
The blow came together, with eyewitnesses saying the Newmarket, New Hampshire father fell to the ground moments later during the massive brawl.
He was rushed to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, where he was later pronounced dead.
An autopsy concluded that Mooney was not killed by a blow – and that it may have been an undisclosed “medical issue” that caused his death.
A photo from Foxborough Inside the stadium, EMTs could be seen rushing to revive Mooney, who lay out of shot on the ground, as concerned fans looked on.
Video also showed security trying to break up a scuffle, and doctors administering CPR shortly afterwards.
Several witnesses gave descriptions to the media of the “brutal” attack that left Mooney “crumbling.”
Devastated wife Lisa Mooney said she felt 'numb' after hearing the horrific news of her husband's death. “I can't even believe this is real,” she said. (Photo: Lisa and Dale Mooney)
Several witnesses gave descriptions of the 'brutal' attack that left Mooney 'crumbled'
Mooney is survived by his two children and wife Lisa following the altercation at Gillette Stadium
Mooney's devastated wife said she felt 'numb' after hearing the horrific news about her husband.
'I just feel numb. I can't even believe this is real,” Lisa Mooney previously told WCVB.
'I don't understand why people have to go to that extreme. Why can't it just be fun? That's all it's supposed to be, just a fun family event.”
Mooney was reportedly buried in a Mac Jones jersey like the one he wore the day he died.
A New England flag was also raised over the Kent and Pelczar Funeral Home and Crematory in his hometown of Newmarket, New Hampshire, where he was cremated in a private ceremony.
During visiting hours on Monday, TV screens showed photos of Mooney, often in Patriots gear with his sons at games.
The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office said the autopsy revealed a medical problem that may have contributed to his death.
District Attorney Michael Morrissey confirmed the issue may have contributed to his death, but the case will require further testing.
He added that the Dolphins fan's two blows did not cause any fatal injuries to Mooney.