A youth softball umpire suffered a fatal heat stroke during a tournament in Sumter, South Carolina, as temperatures soared into the 90s over the weekend.
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 as “Uncle Mitch” and “Mr. Mitch” by the players he had mentored for years, Huggins was taken to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, where he passed away around 6 p.m.
The Sumter County Coroner’s Office indicated that the initial cause of death was ruled as heat stroke, with an underlying heart condition contributing. National Weather Service records noted that air temperatures reached 92 degrees that day, but surface measurements indicated severe conditions at the ballpark.
Witnesses used a thermometer to check surface temperatures at the ballpark. The asphalt hit 138 degrees, while the synthetic turf, where games took place, registered 182.5 degrees.
Christy Pittman, who was attending the tournament, observed the incident. According to Pittman, Huggins mentioned feeling hot. Tournament staff attempted to cool him down and offered him water. They eventually called for an ambulance, placed him in a wheelchair, and took him to the entrance of the ball field, where he slumped over.
Huggins’ sister, Pamela Rufus, learned of her brother’s collapse through a call from her son. She managed to speak with him via FaceTime after he briefly regained consciousness at the hospital. “He was just lifeless,” Rufus noted. “He didn’t even look like himself.”
Despite awareness of the hazardous heat conditions, Huggins was determined to fulfill his duties at the tournament. Before leaving, he told his sister he was aware it would be hot, but that “he was going regardless.”
Huggins had dedicated over a decade to working as an umpire and volunteering with Top Gun Sports, a nonprofit focused on youth athletics. He was regarded as family by players, parents, and coaches, often referred to by affectionate nicknames.
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 occurred during a severe heat wave impacting much of the eastern United States, causing infrastructure issues and straining power grids in major cities. Another heat-related fatality was reported in Anderson County, South Carolina, where a woman succumbed to heat exhaustion.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control issued heat safety warnings following the incident. Officials advised the public to stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during extreme heat. They stressed the importance of recognizing symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include pale skin, nausea, and dizziness, while heat stroke symptoms involve hot, dry skin, confusion, and sometimes unconsciousness, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Top Gun Sports paid tribute to Huggins on Facebook, praising his “encouraging words” and “infectious energy.” The organization highlighted his memorable smile, laugh, and passion for children and the sport.
Pittman, familiar with Huggins through the tournament circuit, spoke of his significance to the community. “He was more than just an umpire,” she stated. “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 situation will increase awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and lead to improvements in youth sports safety protocols. 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 on Kemper Street in Timmonsville, South Carolina. A GoFundMe campaign was set up to assist his family with funeral expenses.
An autopsy was planned to determine Huggins’ official cause of death, although a preliminary report had already been issued by the coroner.
