South Carolina Youth Sports Umpire Dies from Heat Stroke During Weekend Tournament
SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — A beloved youth sports umpire collapsed and died from heat stroke while officiating a softball tournament in Sumter County over the weekend, as dangerous temperatures swept across much of the eastern United States.
Mitchell Huggins, 61, was umpiring a game Saturday at Patriot Park when he suddenly collapsed, his sister told WIS. Temperatures that day reached a high of 91 degrees, according to Weather Underground.
Huggins was rushed to the hospital and briefly regained consciousness before losing it again. Despite emergency efforts, he was later pronounced dead. The Sumter County Coroner’s Office has preliminarily ruled his cause of death as heat stroke.
Heat Wave Sweeps Across Eastern U.S.
The tragedy comes amid a record-breaking heat wave affecting the Midwest and eastern states, with conditions so extreme that roads have buckled and power grids have been strained in major cities.
Earlier in the week, NBC News reported that more than 100 people suffered heat-related illnesses at two outdoor graduation ceremonies in New Jersey. In Washington, D.C., dozens of attendees at a Stray Kids K-pop concert were treated for heat exhaustion, with the band pausing their performance twice so fans could get medical help and offering them water.
Community Mourning and Warnings
Huggins’ death has left the local sports community shaken. Friends and family described him as a dedicated official who was deeply involved in youth athletics.
On Wednesday, just days after Huggins’ collapse, a woman in Anderson County died from heat exhaustion — the first heat-related death reported there this year.
Officials are warning residents to take heat safety precautions, including:
- Staying hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks
- Taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas
- Avoiding strenuous activity during peak afternoon hours
- Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
Extreme heat can be deadly, even for healthy adults. If you or someone near you shows signs of heat-related illness — such as dizziness, confusion, or rapid heartbeat — seek medical attention immediately. Stay updated on safety alerts with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
