Family of Keith Titmuss sues Manly Sea Eagles over training tragedy
Keith Titmuss’ family have launched legal action against Manly after the former Sea Eagles player died of heatstroke during a training session deemed “unlikely to be inappropriate”.
A coronal investigation It found Titmuss was “most likely suffering from involuntary dehydration” when he entered the wrestling gym for cardio training at the end of the first on-field session of Manly’s pre-season training in November 2020.
A paramedic caring for Titmuss described his body temperature as 41.9 degrees as “the hottest they’ve ever seen”; The investigation revealed that a pre-existing heart condition played no role in his death.
Titmuss’ mother Lafo, father Paul and brother Jesse launched a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Manly in the High Court. The matter is scheduled for a directions hearing next month. The club and family have been contacted for comment.
Another former player Lloyd Perrett also takes legal action A lawsuit was filed against the club, alleging that he suffered heat stroke caused by exertion, seizures caused by heat stress and psychiatric disorders during a training session in November 2017. The Sea Eagles are defending this issue.
The inquest into the death in March 2024 found Titmuss had recorded the lowest score of any Manly player in a yo-yo screening test days earlier and had gained more than four kilos in weight during his off-season break. Then-coach Des Hasler told the court he rated the training session as a “six or seven out of 10” because GPS data showed Titmuss covered an average of 47 meters per minute throughout the session.
Paul and Lafo Titmuss at the grave of their son Keith Titmuss.Credit: Nick Moir
The coroner’s recommendations included that the NRL should establish a 14-day phased return to training program for players after long breaks, that training should be tailored to each individual’s characteristics and that medical staff should be available for sessions where heat illness poses a greater risk.
At the end of the inquest, Lafo said, “It took years to understand the cause of death and now we are doing it.”
