Independent MP slammed for linking NRL player Keith Titmuss’ death to climate change

The family of a former NRL player who tragically died have slammed comments made by an MP linking his death to climate change.

A Sydney Independent MP has been criticised for linking an NRL player’s death to climate change.

Dr Sophie Scamps, the member for Mackellar on Sydney’s northern beaches, has suggested “lethal humidity” could have been a factor in the death of Keith Titmuss after a Manly Sea Eagles pre-season training session in November 2020.

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Code Sports reports Dr Scamps floated the theory that “lethal humidity” would become more prominent when speaking at a Doctors for the Environment Australia event in February.

She made the comments referencing “the death of the young man, the rugby league player”, Titmuss, who died following a seizure at Manly’s training base in Narrabeen.

Dr Scamps’ remarks were prompted by a question about the link between climate change and health.

“One of the things that really struck me – we’ve got this thing called lethal humidity now,” said Dr Scamps, who is a GP.

Independent MP Sophie Scamps is seen on video calling Keith Titmuss death cause from "lethal humidity" even though the coronial inquest never mentioned this in their findings. Picture: supplied

Keith Titmuss died after a Manly training session in 2020.

“With every rise of one degree in temperature you have seven degrees increased per cent in humidity, so the death of that young man – and I’m not saying – the death of the young man the rugby league player when it was 33 degrees a very humid day, died from heat stress – you know, after a training session.

“That type of lethal humidity is something that the medical fraternity is getting more and more concerned about.

“Apparently, the human body can survive up to 54 degrees Celsius – it’s pretty hot. But, with high-level humidity, that level comes down to kind of 33, even 31 degrees, so it’s something to consider.”

Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee found that Manly’s training session in the off-season heat was “more likely than not inappropriate” and pointed to several factors that contributed to Titmuss’s heat stroke, including his high body-mass index and a lack of aerobic capacity in comparison to teammates.

Lee did not reference “lethal humidity” in his findings.

Independent MP for Mackellar Dr Sophie Scamps. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Keith Titmuss’ death rocked the NRL. Picture: NRL

In his coroner’s report, Lee noted the maximum temperature on the day of Titmuss’ death as 25 degrees.

“The temperature (measured at Terrey Hills) was 21.3°C at 9:00am and 21.6°C at 3:00pm, with a maximum temperature of 24.9°C. The relative humidity was at 92% at 9:00am, decreasing to 74% at 3:00pm,” the coroner’s report stated.

Titmuss’ mother Lafo has been left upset by Dr Scamps’ comments.

“I’m disappointed that (Dr Scamps) is using my son’s name to try and gain political points when all she needed to do was read Derek Lee’s findings, which mention nothing about climate change,” Lafo said, per Code Sports.

A coronial inquest, which wrapped up in May last year, found Titmuss died of “exertional heat stroke”.

“Keith’s death was a tragedy that will forever keep our thoughts focused on his family and friends – and not about politics,” Manly chief executive Tony Mestrov said on Tuesday.

“As a club, we have been made aware of political remarks, but the facts from the recent Deputy State Coroner’s report never stipulated that Keith’s death was anything to do with climate change or lethal humidity.

“To suggest otherwise is insensitive and incorrect.”

Titmuss collapsed during a training session at an indoor gym. He was rushed to hospital, where he suffered a fatal cardiac arrest.

A spokesperson for Dr Scamps again referenced “lethal humidity” when asked about the MP’s comments about Titmuss.

“Sophie and the entire Northern Beaches community are desperately sad for the Titmuss family after the terrible tragedy of Keith’s death, which the Coroner’s Court found was caused by exertional heat stroke,” the spokeswoman told Code Sports.

Independents Zali Steggall, Sophie Scamps, Zali Steggall, Allegra Spender, Kylea Tink and Monique Ryan in 2022. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“As a doctor and former elite athlete, Sophie takes the threat of lethal humidity extremely seriously. As parents, we do not want our kids to have to train and compete in conditions that put their health at risk. Sophie will continue to push for action to ensure a safe working environment for all athletes, young and old.

“Separately, there is a rise of elite athletes around the world speaking up about the dangers that higher temperatures pose to athletes. The emergence of organisations like Sport4Climate, The Green Sports Alliance and the United Nation’s Sports for Climate Action demonstrate the seriousness of the threat.”

Dr Scamps was one of six ‘teal’ Independents who defeated Liberal MPs at the 2022 federal election.