‘Lives can be saved’: Mother of NRL player who died after training sends message after inquest

The mother of former Manly Sea Eagles player Keith Titmuss says she hopes his death will encourage heat-related injuries to be taken more seriously.

Keith Titmuss, 20, collapsed and later died of 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 found he died of exertional heat stroke (EHS).

Arriving together at the New South Wales Coroners Court for the last day of witness testimonies, a large group of his family wore black shirts with his image on the front and 623 on the back, referencing his first-grade player number.

Holding a framed image of her son wearing a Sea Eagle’s jersey, Titmuss’s mother Lafo Titmuss read out a statement on behalf of the whole family saying her “Keithy” was “defined by his ability to stay true to himself regardless of his achievements”.

“Keithy 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 said growing up her son loved playing both rugby league and rugby union but ultimately committed 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.

A tribute video was played to the coroner featuring a montage of images of Keith Titmuss with family and friends, and during his playing career.

Afterwards, coroner Adam Casselden appeared emotional and thanked 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 said.

Poor fitness test result was a ‘red flag’

The inquest previously heard Keith Titmuss had just completed a two-hour long outdoor training session with the club, before undertaking a 10-minute “high intensity” indoor exercise session, when he started to become agitated and then suffered several seizures on November 23, 2020.

The inquest also heard Mr Titmuss scored the lowest in the team on a pre-season fitness test and had gained more than 4 kilograms since the season prior.

Sports scientist Aaron Coutts told the inquest those two factors should have been a “red flag” that the 20-year-old was at a greater risk of suffering exertional heat related illness.

Professor Coutts described the training session as “unnecessary and demanding” especially for Mr Titmuss who was the “least prepared.”

“[It was] higher than a game load – a large load for Keith to complete for the first training session of the year,” he said.

Under questioning from counsel representing the Manly Sea Eagles club, Professor Coutts agreed that Mr Titmuss’s condition was “very complicated” and that it was “impossible to predict that exertional heat stroke would occur”.

However he maintained that Mr Titmuss’s “increased risks” of suffering from a heat related illness should have been apparent.