Remembering “Uncle Mitch”: Beloved Umpire Passes Away in Warmth
Article Credit score: WMBF Information
The softball group in Sumter, South Carolina, is mourning the lack of a person who made the sport higher—one name, one child, one inning at a time.
Mitchell Huggins, 61, handed away Saturday after collapsing whereas umpiring a youth softball event throughout a warmth wave at Patriot Park. In response to the Sumter County Coroner’s Workplace, warmth publicity contributed to his loss of life.
Recognized affectionately by gamers and households as “Uncle Mitch” or “Mr. Mitch,” Huggins had spent greater than a decade dedicating his time and coronary heart to youth sports activities, particularly via his work with Prime Gun Sports activities, a nonprofit centered on giving younger athletes a spot to develop and compete.
His sister, Pamela Rufus, shared that Huggins briefly regained consciousness after passing out and was in a position to communicate along with her on FaceTime earlier than shedding consciousness once more. “He was simply lifeless,” she stated. “He didn’t even appear like himself.” Regardless of efforts from bystanders to revive him, Huggins was pronounced useless on the hospital.
“He simply beloved the sport,” Rufus stated. “That was his entire ardour. That was his second dwelling. He beloved these youngsters.”
Gamers, dad and mom, and fellow officers who have been there say the tragedy has raised vital questions on warmth security and event protocols. Some voiced considerations about why video games continued regardless of harmful temperatures.
“He was telling them about it being sizzling,” Rufus stated. “It was simply too sizzling … the warmth was not good for anyone.”
Whereas she believes her brother’s loss of life may have been prevented, Rufus hopes his legacy will encourage change. She needs others to take warmth sickness severely—and to at all times keep in mind the center behind the person in blue.
Mitch Huggins died doing what he beloved: supporting youngsters on the sector, guiding the sport with equity and pleasure. His celebration of life might be held Saturday on the former Timmonsville Excessive College on Kemper Road.
For extra on the best way to keep protected throughout summer season event season, try our information to hydration and warmth consciousness for athletes.
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