‘Devastated’: Manly Sea Eagles young gun Keith Titmuss dies aged 20

The rugby league community is reeling after the Manly Sea Eagles confirmed rising star Keith Titmuss tragically passed away on Monday.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles young gun Keith Titmuss tragically passed away on Monday morning aged 20.

The Sea Eagles revealed Titmuss took ill after a 90-minute training session in Narrabeen and was transported by ambulance to Northern Beaches Hospital. According to reports, he was conscious when leaving the session in the ambulance.

He was then transferred to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he passed away soon after.

Titmuss was a member of Manly’s senior squad for the 2021 season, but had not yet made his NRL debut. He was named the club’s Jersey Flegg Cup players’ player in 2019.

“The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles family is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of player Keith Titmuss today,” the club confirmed in a statement.

“Keith was a very promising young forward who had come through the Sea Eagles junior representative teams as a teenager.”

Manly coach Des Hasler said: “We are all devastated by this news.

“Keith was a very popular character amongst the playing group. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten by the Sea Eagles.”

Keith Titmuss of the Manly Sea Eagles. Credit: Twitter/@SeaEagles

Channel 9 sports reporter Danny Weidler tweeted: “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.”

Sea Eagles chief executive Stephen Humphreys said the club was unaware of any underlying medical conditions.

“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.”

Cronulla Sharks captain Wade Graham tweeted: “This is devastating news. Love and thoughts to his family and friends, absolutely tragic. Thinking of the Sea Eagles family at the moment.”

Wests Tigers player Michael Chee Kam posted: “Brooooo no way man! So young.”

Former Wallaby Lote Tuqiri tweeted: “Losing kids in the prime of their lives is so hard to fathom! Thoughts with the family & friends of Keith Titmuss and the Sea Eagles. Fly high young man!”

This is absolutely heartbreaking. Sending every prayer and thought to the Titmuss family and everyone at Manly. https://t.co/qiqhpb17lO

— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) November 23, 2020

Tragic news with Sea Eagles player Keith Titmuss passing away after falling ill at training this morning. Thoughts & condolences to Keith’s family and friends

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) November 23, 2020

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo called it a tragic day for rugby league.

“The game has lost a promising young player with the world at his feet,” Abdo said in a statement.

“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.”

Rugby League Players’ Association chief executive Clint Newton said: “On behalf of the RLPA and the entire playing group, we pass on our sincerest condolences to Keith’s family and friends.

“Our team will work with the NRL and Manly Warringah Club to ensure the appropriate support and counselling is available to Keith’s family, the playing group and their respective families.”

Titmuss scored the matchwinning try for Manly in the 2017 NYC grand final, a career highlight for the rugby league prodigy.

Keith Titmuss' match-winning try for the @SeaEagles in the #HoldenCupGF is better with Titanic.#NRL pic.twitter.com/2y5NbqXkF8

— NRL (@NRL) October 6, 2017