A SOUTH CAROLINA community is in shock after the sudden death of a local softball umpire.
Mitchell Huggins, 61, died on Saturday after collapsing while umpiring a game in Sumter County, SC.
GoFundMeUmpire Mitchell Huggins passed away on Saturday after collapsing during a game[/caption]Huggins, known as Uncle Mitch by players, had been on the diamond for over a decade.
He was at the plate during scorching temperatures over the weekend, with a heatwave warning in force for South Carolina.
Huggins collapsed during the game, with spectators attempting to resuscitate him at the scene.
The 61-year-old was rushed to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital.
But he was announced dead at 6pm that evening.
The Sumter County Coroner’s Office told WACH-TV that Huggins’ cause of death was due to heat stroke.
An underlying heart condition also played a role.
“He said he was hot,” spectator Christy Pittman told KARE-TV.
“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.”
Huggins’ sister Pamela Rufus wants her brothers death to help raise awareness about extreme heat and illnesses.
“He just did what he did. I don’t think he looked at temperature,” she said.
“He felt temperature, but he didn’t look at temperature.
“They said he was telling them, ‘It’s hot, it’s hot.’
“I think with anybody with any conditions, rough conditions, that heat was not a good day for anybody.”
“Mitch was not just an umpire; he was a prominent figure in our community, recognized for his contagious smile and unwavering commitment,” organizer Wendy Walsh added.
“His passion for the game of softball and the people involved was always evident.”
A celebration of life for Huggins is being held this coming Saturday.
It will take place at the former Timmonsville High School, located at 304 Kemper Street in Timmonsville.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Prayers for much-loved umpire after his shock death during youth softball tournament in record heatwave )
Also on site :