The softball community in Kentucky has experienced its second death in one week following the collapse of an umpire on Wednesday at Campbellsville University and a high school student-athlete on Feb. 19 at Russell County High School.
According to the Courier Journal, the umpire collapsed in the second inning of a game between Campbellsville University and Union Commonwealth University. The on-site athletic trainer performed CPR until first responders could arrive, but the umpire was not revived.
The identity of the umpire and their cause of death have not been made public.
“Campbellsville University is deeply saddened by the passing of the umpire who experienced a medical emergency during today’s home softball game. We extend our heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to the umpire’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We are grateful to our athletic trainers, staff, and first responders for their swift and compassionate care. Out of respect for the family, no additional details will be shared at this time,” the school said in a statement.
On Feb. 16, a high school student-athlete collapsed during the Russell County High School team tryouts, about 30 miles south of Campbellsville University.
According to Sports Illustrated, the student-athlete was identified as Brylie Northcutt, a freshman at Russell County High School.
Northcutt told staff she was having “trouble breathing,” and later she collapsed on the field. CPR was administered until first responders could arrive to take over, but Northcutt later died at the hospital. Medical professionals believe her cause of death to be a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in her lung.
"It's just about taking care of our students here whose hearts are broken, they're confused, they don't understand, and we don't understand, and the teachers are heartbroken," Russell County High School principal Shanna Tarter said. "We're just listening to them and trying to let them work through their emotions."
