The NSW Deputy State Coroner has found that an 'inappropriate' training session and heat stress led to the death of a young Manly Sea Eagles player. 20-year-old Keith Titmuss trained for two-hours on November 23 2020 being suffering seizures and dying from cardiac arrest.

Council of the City of Sydney

### Deadly Training Session Leads to Tragic Loss for NRL Hopeful

Keith Titmuss, a 20-year-old rugby league player, tragically passed away following a rigorous training session, marking a period of inconsolable grief for his family and friends. The incident occurred three years ago and has since prompted a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The training session, held in Narrabeen, lasted for two hours and included outdoor activities and wrestling, took place under conditions that have been criticized by the Deputy State Coroner, Derek Lee. On that day, the temperature was 24 degrees Celsius. Titmuss, who had gained four kilos during the off-season, was noted to have the lowest aerobic fitness level among his squad. His condition worsened during the session, with his body temperature soaring to 42 degrees Celsius, an extreme level that led to him experiencing seizures. This was purportedly the highest temperature the attending paramedics had ever recorded.

Deputy State Coroner Lee ruled that the training session was inappropriate, highlighting issues such as the inconsistencies around the use of the Kestrel heat tracker, a device meant to monitor weather conditions during training sessions. There was no evidence to suggest this device was actively used by the Manly Sea Eagles, the club Titmuss was training with. Despite discovering an underlying coronary artery disease, it was determined that this did not contribute to Keith Titmuss's untimely death.

In the wake of this tragedy, several recommendations have been put forward to the NRL, including the adoption of Keith Titmuss's case as a study to improve safety protocols, clarification on heat guidelines, and the introduction of a two-week acclimatisation period in the pre-season. The Manly Sea Eagles have committed to ensuring that such a tragic event does not recur, with the club also honoring Titmuss posthumously as their 623rd NRL player, despite him never making his debut.

Keith's family, while expressing satisfaction with the recommendations, are left to cope with the enduring heartache of losing a loved one who had a profound passion for life and rugby league.



Inquest findings regarding NRL player Keith Titmuss' death

Supported by a tribe of trusted friends, a bit of closure after three long years for Keith Titmuss' family since his death after a pre-season training session turned to tragedy. Listening to the details of his last moments, that was very heartbreaking. It was 24 degrees at the time in Narrabeen, a two hour session outside and wrestling in the dojo. The 20-year-old had the lowest aerobic fitness of the squad, putting on four kilos in the off-season. His temperature reaching 42 degrees when he was seizing, the highest paramedics say they'd seen. While finding his underlying coronary artery disease didn't contribute to his death, Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee said it was an inappropriate training session, while also adding there were inconsistencies around the use of the Kestrel heat tracker at training and no evidence to suggest it was ever used by manly. Coroner Lee tearfully wrapping up his findings, expressing his deepest condolences to Keith's family. We're happy with the recommendations and hope that all involved take on what the recommendations are. Among the recommendations to the NRL, using Keith's death as a case study, clarification on heat guidelines and a two week acclimatisation period in the pre-season, Manly also pledging to make sure Keith's death is the last in the game. This can't happen again in the game, we all understand that, and we don't want to happen under Manly's watch ever again. The Sea Eagles have honoured Keith by posthumously naming him as their 623rd NRL player, despite never making his NRL debut. Keith loved life, and he loved rugby league. Some closure, but a lifelong of heartbreak for a young life lost. Kate Cardwell for 10 News First.

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