Police investigation launched following Matthew Mayich's collapse at ASU
Photo credit: Image via Arizona Sports
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Matthew Mayich's collapse during an Arizona State hockey workout, according to The Athletic's Katie Strang.
This marks a significant escalation in a case that has already drawn scrutiny toward the university's handling of the incident.
Mayich, a 21 year old defenseman and St. Louis Blues draft pick, collapsed on Aug. 20 during an outdoor team workout at ASU's Joe Selleh Track.
The session, described by multiple people briefed on it as a military style conditioning drill, lasted roughly an hour and included sprints, planks, push-ups and bear crawls.
It was led by Tim Ziesel, a non-ASU employee and former military service member.
Tempe Fire Medical Rescue crews responded to the scene around 8:30 a.m. for a report of a heat-related illness, with temperatures in the high 80s at the time.
Mayich was hospitalized and later transferred to Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, where he has remained with his family by his side.
Family Attorney Has Criticized ASU's Response
Attorney Rob Carey, who represents the Mayich family, has said Mayich has “zero chance of recovery” and has publicly criticized how Arizona State has approached its internal look into the workout.
ASU has characterized its process as a review rather than a formal investigation, a distinction Carey has strongly disputed.
He has called for members of the hockey coaching staff to be placed on administrative leave while the circumstances are examined.
What Police Involvement Could Mean
The confirmation that police are now investigating adds a new layer to a case that had, until now, been driven primarily by ASU's internal review and the family's independent legal efforts.
Details on which agency is involved and the scope of that investigation have not yet been made public.
Given the seriousness of Mayich's condition, further details should be treated carefully and verified against original reporting before being shared widely.
Our thoughts remain with Mayich and his family during an extremely difficult time.
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