Umpire dies from heat stroke after falling ill during game in South Carolina

A central South Carolina umpire died last weekend after collapsing due to heat stroke, according to officials.

Mitchell Huggins, 61, was at a park working as an umpire during a softball tournament on June 21 when he passed out, reported local media outlets WIS and WACH.

A bystander began performing CPR on him, then when EMS arrived, they continued trying to save Huggins, Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker told Paste BN on June 27. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died, Baker said.

An autopsy showed that Huggins died of heat stroke, and "prior heart issues" also played a role in his death, the coroner said. 

Weather readings showed a high of 92 degrees in the Sumter area and the heat index was in the upper 90s, said Matt Gropp, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Columbia.

And while there is currently a heat wave impacting multiple states in the U.S., Gropp said the upper 90s is normal for the Sumter area.

“It was still, unfortunately, really hazardous,” he added, referring to Huggins’ death. “Even (on) a normal summer day, it's really hot down here, and it can lead to problems.”

'We are heartbroken over the news'

Huggins was working an event for Perfect Game tournaments, reported WIS.

Perfect Game said in a statement to Paste BN June 27 that Huggins was "a respected and valued member of the travel baseball and softball community who left an indelible mark on the game."

"We are heartbroken over the news," the organization said in the statement. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mitchell’s family, friends and fellow umpires during this incredibly difficult time."

The organization did not respond when asked about its policies during extreme weather conditions such as heat waves.

'He didn't even look like himself'

Calling Huggins’ passing “an unfortunate incident,” Sumter County officials said the event took place at Patriot Park, in Sumter County, South Carolina, about 48 miles east of Columbia.

“Mr. Huggins apparently fell ill, 911 was called and he was transported to the hospital,” Sumter County officials told Paste BN on June 27. “We will keep the family of Mr. Huggins in our prayers.”

His sister, Pamela Rufus, told WIS that someone called her via video chat after her brother collapsed. At one point, he regained consciousness and she was able to speak to see him before he passed out again.

“He was just lifeless,” Rufus told WIS. “He didn’t even look like himself.”

She said while some people on site tried to save him, others began praying. 

Paste BN has made attempts to reach Huggins' family members.

Family, community members remember beloved umpire

Rufus said her brother died doing what he loved. She said he was an umpire for children’s leagues for over a decade, and kids often called him “Uncle Mitch” or “Mr. Mitch.”

“That was his whole passion...that was his second home,” she said. “He loved those kids.”

She said that day, her brother mentioned it was hot but said “he was going regardless.”

She told WIS that his death could’ve been prevented, and that her brother had told someone at the event that it was hot out. Still, she said she wants him to be remembered for doing what he loved and helping kids.

‘You never forgot that smile’

The day after Huggins died, an administrator for local nonprofit TopGun Softball of SC said they knew him for quite some time. Organizers considered him a longtime friend, according to the post.

“My heart is still heavy today,” the post read. “Mitch wasn’t just an umpire I worked with — he was a friend. A man I first met when my boys played 9U baseball in Hartsville. They’re 17 and 18 now… and if you ever met Mitch, you never forgot that smile, that laugh, and most of all, his love for the kids and the game.”

The organization said Huggins touched the lives of hundreds of children with his encouragement, “infectious energy,” and commitment to young athletes.

Community members have also started a GoFundMe to help with burial expenses. Organizer Wendy Walsh said in the fundraiser description that Huggins comes from a large family and leaves behind a 14-year-old son whose birthday is in early July. 

“Mitch dedicated so much of himself to our community, youth, coaches, umpires, and families,” Walsh wrote. "Please join us in raising funds to help cover the funeral expenses and any other needs the family may encounter.”

Those wanting to pay respects to Huggins will be able to do so at a public viewing starting at 1 p.m. on June 27 and the following day at a 2 p.m. memorial service.

This story has been updated to add new information

Saleen Martin is a reporter on Paste BN's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.