A youth softball umpire in Sumter, South Carolina, collapsed and died from heat stroke during a tournament 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 fainted in the presence of children and parents. Known to many young players as “Uncle Mitch” or “Mr. Mitch,” Huggins was transported to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, where he died around 6 p.m.
The Sumter County Coroner’s Office initially ruled the cause of death as heat stroke, with an underlying heart condition contributing. The National Weather Service recorded air temperatures reaching 92 degrees, but surface temperatures at the ballpark indicated more severe conditions.
Witnesses measured the surface temperatures at the ballpark using a thermometer. The asphalt reached 138 degrees, while the synthetic turf, on which the games were played, measured 182.5 degrees.
Christy Pittman, who attended the tournament, observed the events unfold. According to Pittman, Huggins had mentioned feeling hot. Tournament staff tried to cool him with water and eventually called an ambulance. He was placed in a wheelchair and taken to the ball field entrance, where he slumped over.
Huggins’ sister, Pamela Rufus, learned of the incident through a call from her son. She managed to speak with her brother via FaceTime after he briefly regained consciousness at the hospital. “He was just lifeless,” Rufus stated. “He didn’t even look like himself.”
Despite being aware of the dangerous heat, Huggins was determined to officiate the tournament. Before leaving for the games, he told his sister he knew 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. Players, parents, and coaches regarded him as family, often using affectionate nicknames for him.
Rufus described youth sports as her brother’s “whole passion” and “second home.” She noted his love for working with children and his commitment to volunteering with youth organizations.
Huggins’ death occurred amid a severe heat wave affecting much of the eastern United States. The extreme temperatures have caused infrastructure issues such as roads buckling and power grid strains in major cities. On Wednesday, another heat-related death was reported in Anderson County, South Carolina, where a woman died from heat exhaustion.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control issued heat safety warnings in response to the incident. Officials advised people to stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during extreme temperatures. They stressed the importance of recognizing symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include pale skin, nausea, and dizziness, while symptoms of heat stroke, such as hot, dry skin and confusion, require immediate medical attention.
Top Gun Sports paid tribute to Huggins on Facebook, highlighting his “encouraging words” and “infectious energy.” The organization remembered his smile, laugh, and dedication to children and the game.
Pittman, familiar with Huggins through the tournament circuit, emphasized his importance to the community. “He was more than just an umpire,” she remarked. “He brought joy to so many people’s lives. He was like family.”
Rufus expressed her belief that her brother’s death could have been prevented. She hopes the incident will raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and lead to changes in safety protocols for youth sports. 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 established to help his family with funeral expenses.
An autopsy was scheduled to determine Huggins’ official cause of death, though the coroner had issued a preliminary report.
