A beloved softball umpire died over the weekend while on the pitch in the sweltering heat. The coroner’s office confirmed the temperatures were to blame for his passing.
According to a report by WISTV, 61-year-old Mitchell Huggins was a popular sports umpire and was overseeing a softball tournament on Saturday in Sumpter County. Huggins was experienced, and held his position for at least 15 years. He reportedly passed out twice before emergency services transported him to the hospital.
The outlet says that his family stated that Huggins died doing what he loved, but his death was preventable. His sister, Pamela Rufus, said that he passed out during the afternoon in Patriot Park. She got the news from her son and FaceTimed her brother when he regained consciousness. He then passed out a second time. Rufus explained, “He was just lifeless. He didn’t look himself.” Authorities rushed the umpire to a local hospital, where he later died. The Sumter County Coroner’s Office reportedly ruled his official cause of death as heatstroke.
Parents Ask Why The Tournament Proceeded In Such Extreme Conditions
WISTV also explained that concerned parents had contacted them. Many asked how the tournament was allowed to run in such intense heat. Sumpter County Officials released a statement which reads, “We are aware of an unfortunate incident at Patriot Park during a recent softball tournament and we would ask everyone for the family of Mitch Huggins. At some point on Saturday, during a tournament hosted by an organization that was renting Patriot Park, Mr Huggins apparently fell ill. 911 was called, and he was transported to the hospital. We will keep the family of Mr. Huggins in our prayers.”
According to KARE 11, tournament attendees noticed Huggins was struggling with the heat. Christy and Ainsley Pittman explained, “He said he was hot. They tried to cool him down and got him some water. They finally called the ambulance, put him in a wheelchair, and rolled him down to the entrance of the ball field. He just slumped over.”
Wendy Walsh has set up a GoFundMe to help Huggin’s family financially. The fundraiser explained that he was affectionately known as Mr. Mitch and was a prominent figure in the community. “His passion for the game of softball and the people involved was always evident,” the post adds.