Keith Titmuss Obituary And Cause of Death: The Young Rugby Player Who Lost His Life to a Deadly Condition
Keith Titmuss was a rising star in the rugby league, a talented player who had a bright future ahead of him. He was only 20 years old when he collapsed and died after a training session with his team, the Manly Sea Eagles, on November 23, 2020.
His death shocked and saddened the rugby community, as well as his family and friends. But what caused his sudden demise? And could it have been prevented?
What is Exertional Heat Stroke?
According to the coroner’s inquiry, which began on February 5, 2024, Keith Titmuss most likely died from exertional heat stroke (EHS), a condition that occurs when the body’s temperature rises above 40°C due to physical activity in hot or humid conditions. EHS is a medical emergency that can cause organ failure, brain damage, and death if not treated promptly and properly.
EHS can affect anyone who exercises in the heat, but some factors can increase the risk, such as:
- Lack of acclimatization to the heat
- High intensity or duration of exercise
- Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
- Obesity or excess body fat
- Illness or infection
- Medications or supplements
- Wearing heavy or dark clothing
- Genetic predisposition
What Happened to Keith Titmuss?
On the day of his death, Keith Titmuss was participating in a pre-season training session with the Manly Sea Eagles at their base in Narrabeen, on Sydney’s northern beaches. The weather was hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 30°C and humidity levels above 70%. The training session involved a series of cardio drills, such as sprints, shuttle runs, and agility tests.
"One of the toughest training sessions I've ever done…" 💔
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) February 5, 2024
A Manly teammate has told a coronial inquest into Keith Titmuss' death what he saw on the tragic day: https://t.co/6VpJkWqh8o pic.twitter.com/oVWgoUkHtM
Titmuss was struggling throughout the session, as he was relatively unfit and unconditioned to the heat, according to the counsel assisting the coroner, Adam Casselden SC. His weight increased from 112kg to 116.9kg during the session, indicating fluid retention and possible dehydration. He also had a history of asthma and had taken an inhaler before the session.
After the session, Titmuss complained of body cramps while stretching and then suffered a seizure. He was attended by the club’s medical staff, who did not recognize the signs of EHS and did not apply ice packs or cold water to cool him down. They also gave him a paper bag to breathe into, which may have worsened his condition by increasing his carbon dioxide levels. He was then taken by ambulance to the Royal North Shore Hospital, where he later died. His body temperature was recorded at 41.9°C, well above the normal range of 36.5°C to 37.5°C.
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Could His Death Have Been Prevented?
The coroner’s inquiry is still ongoing, but some experts have suggested that Titmuss’s death could have been prevented if he had received adequate treatment for EHS at the scene. Dr Luke Inman, a former chief medical officer for the Manly Sea Eagles, testified that he had successfully treated another player, Lloyd Perrett, who collapsed from EHS in similar circumstances in 2017.
Dr Inman said that he diagnosed Perrett with EHS based on his high body temperature and heart rate, and his normal heart rhythm. He then applied ice packs to Perrett’s neck, armpits, groin, and chest, where large arteries are located, to lower his core temperature. He also gave him fluids and oxygen. Perrett recovered and was discharged from the hospital the next day.
Dr Inman said that EHS is difficult to diagnose, even for a doctor, without proper education and training. He said that the key is to rule out other causes of collapse, such as cardiac arrest, and to act quickly to cool the patient down.
“If it’s not detected or treated, they’re dead after 20 or 30 minutes. They’ll cook internally. It’s nearly impossible to get them back after that point,” he said.
Keith Titmuss was a young man who loved rugby and had a promising career ahead of him. His tragic death from EHS was a shock to his family, friends, teammates, and fans. His death also raised awareness of the dangers of EHS and the need for better prevention and treatment.
EHS is a preventable and treatable condition, but it requires prompt recognition and action. By following some simple steps, you can protect yourself and others from EHS and enjoy your exercise safely.
