FOXBORO - The family of a man who died following a 2003 parking gate accident at Gillette Stadium has been awarded $6.1 million by a Suffolk Superior Court jury.

The jury found Foxboro Realty Associates, Apollo Security and Standard Parking liable for not properly securing a parking gate that swung open and hit a bus transporting fans from the Deutsche Bank Championship golf tournament in Norton to a parking lot at the stadium in Foxboro.

The 300-pound metal gate seriously injured several passengers. Thomas Kelly of South Yarmouth eventually died after undergoing surgery.

Attorney Andrew Meyer of Boston represented the Kelly family and said Thursday they were satisfied with the verdict.

"They believe justice was done and accountability was had," he said. Meyer said the decision meant the jury found that Gillette Stadium was responsible for making sure the gates was properly locked when in the open position.

Attorney Lawrence Kenney represented Foxboro Realty Associates, which owns the stadium.

He could not be reached for comment, but told The Boston Globe he would appeal the decision.

He was quoted as saying that neither the parking company nor the security firm notified the stadium that the gate was not properly locked.

Meyer said he was confident the decision would be upheld if there is an appeal.

The stadium parking lot was being used for vehicles of spectators attending the golf tournament.

The spectators were being bused to and from the golf course to reduce traffic and relief parking shortages in Norton.

The bus carrying Kelly was returning to the stadium when wind blew the gate open. It smashed through the windshield of the bus and pinned some spectators in their seats.

One woman lost a leg and others were also seriously hurt.

Kelly underwent surgery on his leg, but died from a heart attack or blood clot, Meyer said. Kelly was a well-known teacher and basketball coach on Cape Cod.