The mother of Keith Titmuss, Manly Sea Eagles player, expresses her wish that his death will raise awareness about the seriousness of heat-related injuries.
Keith Titmuss, aged 20, collapsed and subsequently passed away due to a heart attack at a Sydney hospital a few hours after a training session with the Manly Sea Eagles in November 2020.
A coronial inquest concluded that he died from exertional heat stroke (EHS).
A significant number of his family members, dressed in black shirts featuring his image on the front and 623 on the back—his first-grade player number—arrived together at the New South Wales Coroners Court for the final day of witness testimonies.
Lafo Titmuss, Keith Titmuss’s mother, held a framed image of her son wearing a Sea Eagles jersey as she read a statement on behalf of the family. The statement highlighted how Keith, affectionately called “Keithy,” was known for staying true to himself regardless of his accomplishments.
“He has been described as unassuming, humble, honest… kind, respectful, respected, and loved by so many,” she said. “He brought joy into our lives. He continues to make us proud to call him our son.”
Ms. Titmuss mentioned that Keith loved playing both rugby league and rugby union while growing up but ultimately chose to commit to league during high school.
She said he was known for “climbing mountains” and was promoted to the Manly Sea Eagles first grade side in 2020.
“He felt destined for big things, he had an extra bounce in his step and was focused — 2021 was going to be his year,” she said.
She told the inquest the family hoped her son’s death would see heat related injuries taken more seriously by sporting codes around the world.
“We are encouraged to learn of the NRL ongoing review into heat policies,” she said.
“Our ultimate aim is that heat related injuries will no longer be underestimated and that lives can be saved.”
A tribute video was shown to the coroner, showcasing a collection of images featuring Keith Titmuss with his family and friends, as well as moments from his playing career.
Following the video, coroner Adam Casselden appeared moved and expressed gratitude to the family for their statement. “It reminds us about Keith as more than just the footy player… but also Keith the son, brother, and friend,” Mr. Casselden remarked.
Poor fitness test result was a ‘red flag’
During the inquest, it was revealed that Keith Titmuss had finished a two-hour outdoor training session with the club before engaging in a 10-minute “high intensity” indoor exercise session. Following this, he began to show signs of agitation and subsequently experienced several seizures on November 23, 2020.
During the inquest, it was revealed that Keith Titmuss had the lowest score on a pre-season fitness test for the team and had gained more than 4 kilograms since the previous season.
Sports scientist Aaron Coutts testified that these two factors should have been a “red flag” indicating that the 20-year-old was at a higher risk of experiencing exertional heat-related illness.
Professor Coutts described the training session as “unnecessary and demanding,” especially for Mr. Titmuss, who was the “least prepared.” He noted that the session imposed a workload higher than that of a game, which was a significant challenge for Keith, especially as it was the first training session of the year.
While questioned by counsel representing the Manly Sea Eagles club, Professor Coutts acknowledged that Mr. Titmuss’s condition was “very complicated” and that it was “impossible to predict” that he would suffer from exertional heat stroke. However, he maintained that the “increased risks” of heat-related illness for Mr. Titmuss should have been recognized.
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