Manly Warringah Claims Player Contributed to Own Death in Training Incident
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have responded to a lawsuit from the family of Keith Titmuss, who died during preseason training, by claiming he contributed to his own death due to negligence regarding his fitness. Titmuss collapsed in November 2020, and his family is seeking damages, alleging the club failed to adhere to the NRL heat policy.
A coronial inquest in 2024 determined that Titmuss died from exertion heat stroke, with a pre-existing heart condition unlikely to have influenced his death. The club's defense states that Titmuss did not inform staff of his deteriorating physical condition and failed to manage his weight and diet during the off-season.
The club conducted a fitness test shortly before his death, finding no issues, and maintained that proper precautions were taken during training, despite the dojo lacking air-conditioning. The family contends that the club did not adequately follow its own heat policy, claiming negligence in the circumstances surrounding Titmuss's death.
