Umpire dies after collapsing in heatwave at youth softball tournament

Mitchell Huggins, a beloved youth softball umpire, died after collapsing during a game amid a brutal heatwave.

Youth softball umpire dies during heatwave

Huggins, 61, passed out while officiating at Patriot Park in Sumter, South Carolina on June 21. He was rushed to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Cause of death

Officials confirmed the cause of death as heat stroke, worsened by an underlying heart condition. Temperatures soared into the 90s, with turf readings reaching a staggering 182.5°F.

Remembering Mitchell Huggins

Known as “Uncle Mitch,” Huggins had umpired for over a decade. He was cherished by players and families for his dedication and warmth.

Photo Source: WACH.com

Witnesses say he complained of the heat before collapsing. Bystanders tried to cool him and called 911, but efforts to revive him failed.

Since the news of Huggins’s death, friends, family, and people in the local sports community have been sharing an outpour of love on social media letting people know how kind Huggins was and how he will be missed.

GoFundMe for umpire Mitchell Huggins

A GoFundMe has been launched to support his family.