The lifelong New England Patriots fan who died after he was punched by a Miami Dolphins supporter is reportedly being laid to rest Tuesday in a jersey for quarterback Mac Jones.
Dale Mooney, 53, collapsed and later died after being punched in the head during a caught-on-camera melee at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Sept. 17.
During visiting hours Monday at Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home & Crematory in his hometown of Newmarket, New Hampshire, Mooney wore a jersey for the team’s 25-year-old signal caller, The Messenger reported.
It was not clear if it was the same Jones shirt Mooney wore at his final game.
A Patriots flag also flew above the funeral home in honor of the longtime ticket-holder, who is expected to be cremated in a private ceremony on Tuesday, according to the outlet.
The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office has said that Mooney did not suffer a “traumatic injury” but instead had a “medical issue,” which it did not specify.
The exact cause and manner of death are still undetermined, the DA’s office said, adding that additional testing is needed.
Authorities have been investigating Mooney’s death after police and safety personnel responded to the upper deck of the stadium about 11 p.m. and found him “in apparent need of medical attention,” the DA’s office said.
A witness said he saw Mooney get into a physical confrontation with a group of other men before an unidentified Dolphins fan walked over and slugged him.
Video shot by a bystander showed the 6-foot-3 Mooney being hit in the temple before going down. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Officials haven’t disclosed if any charges are likely in the wake of the tragedy.
Mooney’s wife, Lisa, said she was numb and was demanding answers about how he died.
“I just can’t even believe this is for real. I want to know what happened. What caused this?” she said.
Gillette Stadium officials said they were “heartbroken” by Mooney’s death.
“We continue to work with local authorities to assist them with their ongoing investigation,” their statement said. “We extend our sincerest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Dale’s family and to all those who are mourning his loss.”