Coroner hands down findings after inquest into Keith Titmuss’ NRL death
A coroner has handed down his findings into the death of a promising NRL star who collapsed and died after a gruelling training session.
A coroner concluded a promising NRL star died after collapsing following an “inappropriate” pre-season training session after a weeks-long inquest into the sudden death.
Keith Titmuss lost consciousness after a 139-minute training session at the Manly Sea Eagles headquarters on Sydney’s northern beaches on November 23, 2020.
His teammates recalled watching in horror as his cramps became seizures before paramedics rushed him to hospital, where he suffered a cardiac arrest.
On Friday, Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee concluded the 20-year-old had died of exertional heat stroke after an inappropriately difficult training session.
Mr Titmuss had been pushing himself for more than two hours in the first pre-season session of the year, which entailed an outdoor session and an indoor session in a “very hot, very humid” gym.
Mr Lee said the young forward was “most likely experiencing involuntary dehydration” by the time he entered the gym after the gruelling outdoor session.
He determined Mr Titmuss was “at greater risk” of suffering heat illness because of a number of risk factors, including his body mass, comparatively lower aerobic fitness and the hot indoor conditions.
The inquest was told the 20-year-old had gained more than four kilos during the off season and his fitness test scores suggested he was “the least fit member of the squad”.
The combination of risk factors meant the training session was “more likely than not inappropriate” for the young forward, who collapsed with a staggering temperature that paramedics measured at nearly 42C.
Mr Lee found Manly staff and paramedics had both reacted appropriately when treating Mr Titmuss’ alarming collapse and subsequent seizures.
“There is no evidence to suggest anything more could have been done by those immediately present,” he said.
In handing down his conclusions, the coroner recommended the NRL use Mr Titmuss’ death as a case study to educate players and staff, and to raise awareness of heat illness.
He suggested the NRL consider implementing a mandatory two-week graduated return to training program for players after the off-season and a requirement for a medical officer to sign off on strength and conditioning training programs.
Another key focus for the sport should be screening players to determine those at risk of heat illness and classifying them to ensure tailored training sessions, the coroner said.
He also endorsed a suggestion from Mr Titmuss’ family that the NRL enforce mandatory reporting of all heat-related injuries in order to create a comprehensive understanding of the pervasiveness of the issue.
