A youth softball umpire collapsed and died due to heat stroke during a tournament in Sumter, South Carolina, as temperatures soared into the 90s.
Mitchell Huggins, 61, was officiating games at Patriot Park on the afternoon of Saturday, June 21, 2025, when he collapsed in front of spectators. Known affectionately as “Uncle Mitch” and “Mr. Mitch” by the young athletes he had mentored for years, Huggins was transported to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, where he died around 6 p.m.
The Sumter County Coroner’s Office reported that the preliminary cause of death was heat stroke, compounded by an underlying heart condition. The National Weather Service recorded air temperatures at 92 degrees that day, though surface temperatures at the ballpark were significantly higher.
Onlookers used a thermometer to measure surface heat at the venue. The asphalt registered 138 degrees, while the synthetic turf, the playing surface, reached 182.5 degrees.
Christy Pittman, a tournament attendee, witnessed the incident. Pittman noted that Huggins had mentioned feeling hot. Tournament staff tried to cool him with water and eventually called for an ambulance, placing him in a wheelchair and moving him to the field entrance, where he became unresponsive.
Huggins’ sister, Pamela Rufus, learned of her brother’s collapse through a call from her son. She managed to speak with him via FaceTime when he briefly regained consciousness at the hospital. “He was just lifeless,” Rufus said. “He didn’t even look like himself.”
Despite being aware of the hazardous heat, Huggins insisted on participating in the tournament. Before departing for the games, he told his sister he was aware of the heat but that “he was going regardless.”
Huggins had dedicated over a decade to umpiring and volunteering with Top Gun Sports, a nonprofit organization focused on youth athletics. He was considered family by many players, parents, and coaches, who often used affectionate nicknames for him.
Rufus described youth sports as her brother’s “whole passion” and “second home.” She emphasized his love for working with children and his commitment to volunteering with youth organizations.
Huggins’ death coincided with a severe heat wave impacting much of the eastern United States. The high temperatures have caused infrastructure issues and strained power grids in major cities. Another heat-related death was reported in Anderson County, South Carolina, involving a woman who succumbed to heat exhaustion.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control issued heat safety advisories following the incident. Officials encouraged the public to stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities in extreme heat, stressing the importance of recognizing heat-related illness symptoms.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include pale skin, nausea, and dizziness, while heat stroke symptoms consist of hot, dry skin, confusion, and potential unconsciousness, requiring immediate medical attention.
Top Gun Sports shared a tribute to Huggins on Facebook, highlighting his “encouraging words” and “infectious energy.” The organization praised his memorable smile, laughter, and his passion for children and the game.
Pittman, familiar with Huggins from the tournament circuit, spoke of his impact on the community. “He was more than just an umpire,” she said. “He brought joy to so many people’s lives. He was like family.”
Rufus expressed her belief that her brother’s death might have been preventable. She hopes the event will increase awareness about extreme heat dangers and prompt changes in youth sports safety measures. She wants Huggins to be remembered for his dedication to the children he served.
A celebration of life for Huggins was held on Saturday, June 28, at the former Timmonsville High School, located on Kemper Street in Timmonsville, South Carolina. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to assist his family with funeral expenses.
