Overview
- The injury occurred during an outdoor, military‑style conditioning session led by former Green Beret Tim Ziesel on Aug. 20, when 21‑year‑old Matthew Mayich collapsed after showing signs of disorientation.
- Family lawyers and multiple reports say Mayich suffered exertional heat stroke that caused oxygen deprivation to his brain and that he currently has "zero chance of recovery."
- Witnesses told reporters Mayich lay in direct sun for several minutes before teammates carried him to shade and staff applied water and an ice pack, and an ambulance arrived at 8:31 a.m., about 90 minutes after the workout began.
- Arizona State says coaches and training staff were present and that it follows heat‑illness guidance, while the university has launched an internal review and ASU Police opened a criminal assessment as the family pushes for an outside investigation.
- The episode has raised broader safety questions about preseason conditioning, heat‑acclimatization and rapid cooling practices recommended by athletic trainers, and it has left teammates fearful of speaking publicly as the season nears.