FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTES: A GoFundMe campaign has been set up in memory of Dale Mooney, 53, a devoted Patriots fan and loving father of two, who tragically lost his life after another fan sucker-punched him during the New England Patriots' game against the Miami Dolphins over the weekend.
This heart-wrenching incident has shone a spotlight on Dale's remarkable past, where he once selflessly rescued a young girl from a perilous situation on a New Hampshire beach.
GoFundMe launched for Dale Mooney
The GoFundMe page, titled "The Amazing Husband and Father - Dale Mooney," stated that he "was a loving soul who cared so much for those he loved, especially his wife Lisa which he was married to for 20+ years. Dale was a proud father to Aaron and Brandon, constantly laughing and creating moments with them throughout their lives."
"A hardworking family man from the northeast who loved the New England Patriots, a season ticket holder for 30+ years...This Gofundme has been launched by the relatives of Lisa and Dale Mooney. Funds will be donated directly to the Mooney family as they go through this tough time," read the fundraiser.
However, beyond his dedication to football, Dale's life was defined by an act of extraordinary bravery that occurred over a decade ago. In July 2009, he risked his own life to rescue a young girl trapped between rocks near a jetty on Hampton Beach, New Hampshire.
Dale Mooney's heroic beach rescue of a young girl
Describing the harrowing incident, Dale recalled how he spotted the child struggling against the relentless waves and wind gusts. “The waves were slamming over her and she couldn’t even stay on her feet,” Dale told Seacoastonline of the near-tragedy. “She kept falling in between the rocks, trying to keep her head above water.”
The girl had been trying to retrieve her boogie board but became trapped as the tide rose. Dale, then 39 years old, approached the distressed child, finding himself surrounded by the unrelenting surf and waves. “We were both pretty scared at that point,” he said.
He said that he couldn’t give up on the little girl, struggling for her life. “Once I made eye contact with her, I couldn’t turn back. As the two or three big waves came up, I told her, ‘Hold your breath, hold your breath.’ And then boom, the wave would hit us,” Dale said. “Then we’d fight to stand up and she tried to stand up. She was slipping and sliding.”
During a brief respite between waves, Dale told the girl to jump onto his shoulders. “We went for it and got hit by the next two or three rounds trying to get back,” he said. Eventually, Dale was able to successfully make it back to shore with the young girl.
Despite his heroic act, Dale never learned the child's name, as she quickly ran to her family after thanking him for saving her life. Dale's selflessness during the daring rescue left him with bruised ribs, cut shins, and swollen knees.
Yet, he remained humble, using the experience to teach his own son about the importance of safety and caution in the face of danger. “Don’t be a hero like your dad because you could get in dangerous situations,” he said.
Witnesses describe the incident as 'brutal'
Tragically, Dale's life took an unexpected and devastating turn during a Patriots game against the Miami Dolphins when an altercation with another fan turned fatal. Witnesses described the altercation, with one individual, Joseph Kilmartin, labeling it as "hard to watch."
According to Kilmartin, "At one point another Dolphins fan walked over. He punched him three times, and the man just went out. It was pretty hard to watch," reported MEAWW.
His wife, Lisa, has been left numb and bewildered by the tragedy, seeking answers as to what led to the incident.
She said, “I just 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 — a fun family event.” She added that “It takes a lot to get him mad. He has the patience of a saint. I don’t know what happened.”
The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office confirmed that the investigation into Dale's death was proceeding according to "normal protocol," with an autopsy scheduled to be conducted in the coming days.
At this time, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
'Justice for Dale!'
Internet users conveyed their sympathy and offered their support to Dale.
Midland Football League released an official statement in memory of Dale stating, "HE WAS A HERO: Dale Mooney, the #Patriots fan and father of two who died after another fan sucker-punched him during Sunday night’s game SELFLESSLY SAVED a young girl’s life on a beach in New Hampshire in July 2009, putting his OWN life at risk to save her."
Another added, "Devastating. Rest in peace." A third claimed, "Justice for Dale."
"Why am I not surprised a Miami fan took away this amazing soul smfh," read a tweet. A user asserted, "Shits so sad." "I hope the punishment they give his murderer is extremely harsh," read a tweet. Another chimed, "Prayers up for his family and friends."
