Matthew Mayich, a 21-year-old hockey player at Arizona State University, collapsed during a practice session on August 20, 2026, at Sun Angel Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The practice began at 7 a.m. with temperatures already in the mid-80s. The team engaged in various exercises for at least 45 minutes under the guidance of guest trainer Tim Ziesel, a former Green Beret. As temperatures approached 90 degrees Fahrenheit, Mayich struggled during a final exercise and collapsed. Athletic staff attempted to cool him down using iced towels and water before calling 911. He was transported to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition due to what has been described as exertional heat stroke, according to family attorney Robert Carey. The family has expressed hope for a recovery but has stated that it hinges on a miracle.
Mayich's parents, John and Christina, have called for accountability regarding the circumstances of their son's collapse. University officials have declined to comment, while Ziesel's attorney has stated that the workout was not as intense as reported. Head coach Greg Powers has maintained his position but did not address the specifics of the workout, which has come under scrutiny following an anonymous letter from seven of Mayich's teammates alleging that the session lasted 75 minutes instead of 45 and that proper safety protocols were not followed.
The letter claims that the required precautions outlined in ASU's heat policy were absent, including the lack of an immersion tub, ice chests, and on-field heat measurements. The incident has drawn comparisons to past heat-related athletic fatalities, including that of NFL player Korey Stringer, who died from heat stroke in 2001. Experts have noted that exertional heat stroke is a significant risk for athletes, particularly as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events.
In response to the incident, ASU has announced an independent review of its heat safety policies, led by former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales. The university has been criticized for its existing heat safety measures, which experts argue could have prevented Mayich's condition had they been properly implemented. The review is expected to be completed by early December, but Mayich's family is calling for a more thorough investigation into the events leading up to the incident.
As the situation develops, Mayich remains on life support, and the university continues to face scrutiny over its heat safety protocols and the treatment of athletes during extreme weather conditions.