South Carolina’s Summer County.As deadly temperatures blasted throughout most of the eastern United States over the weekend, a respected child sports umpire fainted and died from heat stroke while supervising a softball event in Sumter County.
Mitchell Huggins, 61, unexpectedly passed out while officiating a game at Patriot Park on Saturday, according to his sister, who spoke to WIS. According to Weather Underground, the day’s high temperature was 91 degrees.
After being taken to the hospital, Huggins lost consciousness again after a brief period of regaining it. He was later declared dead in spite of emergency measures. His cause of death has been tentatively determined to be heat stroke by the Sumter County Coroner’s Office.
Heat Wave Sweeps Across Eastern U.S.
The tragedy occurs while the Midwest and eastern regions are experiencing a record-breaking heat wave. The heat has been so severe that major cities’ electricity grids are straining and roadways have crumbled.
At two outdoor graduation ceremonies in New Jersey earlier this week, over 100 people contracted heat-related illnesses, according to an NBC News report. Numerous fans at a Stray Kids K-pop concert in Washington, D.C., received treatment for heat exhaustion after the band twice paused their performance to provide them with water and medical assistance.
Community Mourning and Warnings
Huggins’ passing has shocked the local sports community. He was characterized by friends and relatives as a committed official who had a strong interest in young sports.
The first heat-related death in Anderson County this year was a woman who passed away from heat exhaustion on Wednesday, a few days after Huggins collapsed.
Residents are being cautioned by officials to adopt the following heat safety measures:
- 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
Even for healthy adults, extreme heat can be fatal. Seek medical help right away if you or someone close to you exhibits symptoms of a heat-related disease, such as lightheadedness, disorientation, or a fast heartbeat. Use SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com to be informed about safety alerts.
