'Absolutely tragic': Death of Manly player, 20, rocks NRL
The rugby league community in Australia has been left devastated by news of the sudden and tragic death of rising Manly Sea Eagles player, Keith Titmuss.
He was only 20 years old.
Titmuss reported feeling ill after training with the Sea Eagles on Monday morning.
According to Channel Nine's Danny Weidler, Manly officials revealed that Titmuss experienced a "body cramp" while stretching after practice.
He was taken to Northern Beaches hospital, before being transferred to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he tragically died a short time later.
Titmuss was a full-time member of Manly's extended first grade squad and was considered a bright prospect for the future.
Rising through the junior ranks at Manly, he was the club's Jersey Flegg Cup players’ player of 2019 and scored the winning try for Manly in the 2017 NYC grand final.
Manly coach Des Hasler says the club and players are shattered by the tragic news of his death.
“We are all devastated by this news," Hasler said.
“Keith was a very popular character amongst the playing group. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten by the Sea Eagles.”
Sea Eagles CEO Stephen Humphreys says counselling would be available for Titmuss' heartbroken Manly teammates, family and friends.
League world devastated by 20yo’s death
"Our club sends its deepest condolences to Keith’s family and friends and will provide them with all of the support they need during this difficult period," Humphreys said.
"We are working with the NRL’s wellbeing team to offer support and counselling to our playing group and staff."
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo described the youngster's death as a "tragic day for rugby league".
"The game has lost a promising young player with the world at his feet. Keith had made it into Manly’s Top 30 for the 2021 season after coming through the club’s junior ranks.
"We will make sure Keith’s family, the club and our players receive every support they need from the game.
"We are one family and today we have lost a member of that family. On behalf of the Commission and the game I send my deepest condolences to Keith’s family."
League fans took to social media in shock after the horrific news of Titmuss' death was confirmed.
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles family is extremely saddened to learn of the sudden passing of player Keith Titmuss today
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friendshttps://t.co/CB2NXwa7xI#ManlyForever pic.twitter.com/6he7fOatmn— Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (@SeaEagles) November 23, 2020
Condolences from our family to yours @SeaEagles 💚
— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) November 23, 2020
Absolutely tragic news. Condolences to the family & club.
— Balmain Tigers (@tigers1908) November 23, 2020
MORE: So sad. He was a genuine rising star of the game. Experienced what has been described to me by club officials as a “body cramp” whilst stretching after session. Doctor treated him at training and taken by ambulance to hospital. Thoughts are with his family.
— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) November 23, 2020
How devastating for his family and friends.
RIP Keith 🙁— Geoff M (@GeoffM75) November 23, 2020
Rest easy champion , praying for the entire Titmuss family and friends . Sending all the love
— KnowsNothing (@JayKnowsNothing) November 23, 2020
This is so sad to hear. My condolences to his family, friends, fans, and the entire Sea Eagles family.
— Rob (@Lloydguy82) November 23, 2020
Unbelieveable sad. Great young man and played Condolances to family and friends Tragic
— Andrew Lythgo (@AndrewLythgo) November 23, 2020
Devastating. So incredibly tragic and sad. Thoughts go out to his family, friends and teammates.
— Frenchie dawg (@seaeaglezab) November 23, 2020
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