Mitchell Huggins was a beloved official who was affectionately known as “Uncle Mitch.”
The goodness of his heart will no longer be experienced on Earth after the youth sports umpire died while officiating a game in South Carolina.
Huggins reportedly collapsed on the field after complaining of the heat amid a record-setting heatwave.
The 61-year-old died on Saturday, June 21, after collapsing on the field while he was officiating a softball tournament at a park in Sumter County, S.C., according to NBC affiliates WIS-TV and KARE-TV and Fox affiliate WACH-TV.
Father of one, Mitchell Huggins, was rushed to the hospital following his collapse.
The softball community lost a true hero. Mitchell Huggins—affectionately known as “Uncle Mitch”—passed away while doing what he loved most: umpiring for the kids. He brought joy, fairness, and heart to every game. Let’s honor his legacy and raise awareness about staying safe in… pic.twitter.com/FeqSr5KuSU
— EXTRA INNING SOFTBALL (@ExtraInningSB) June 26, 2025
Huggins’ sister, Pamela Rufus, told WIS that she received a call from her son when he initially lost consciousness.
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She FaceTimed with him when he momentarily became alert before passing out again.
“He was just lifeless,” she told the station. “He didn’t even look like himself.”
How Social Media Reacted To The Death of Mitchell Huggins
“This is heartbreaking. My dad was on the board of a local nonprofit that raised awareness about heat illness, as well as the importance of hydration. My entire family is passionate about it. Sending lots of love to the family & softball community Uncle Mitch served. 💔,” one person said.
This is heartbreaking. My dad was on the board of a local non profit that raised awareness about heat illness, as well as the importance of hydration. My entire family is passionate about it. Sending lots of love to the family & softball community Uncle Mitch served. 💔
— Ryleigh Johnson (@RyJohnson2026) June 27, 2025
A second person added prayer hands: “🙏🙏🙏.”
🙏🙏🙏
— Jazzy Centers 2028 (@JazzyCenters) June 27, 2025
A third person added a heart emoji for Mitchell Huggins: ‘❤️.”
❤️
— Emma Kerr (@EmmaKerr2030) June 26, 2025
“So sad. 🙏🏻 prayers for his family,” one final person stated.
So sad. 🙏🏻 prayers for his family.
— Jade Fisher “fish” 2028 (@jade_fisher14) June 26, 2025
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