The recent incident at Arizona State University’s hockey practice has sparked concern and calls for accountability. Despite this, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has decided against launching a new investigation into the matter at this time.
The incident occurred during an outdoor practice on August 20, which left player Matthew Mayich in a coma. Over a month later, he remains in critical condition. Legal representation for Mayich’s family, attorney Robert Carey, reached out to Mitchell on September 23, urging her office to investigate the circumstances surrounding the young athlete’s collapse.
Carey claims that the 21-year-old suffered from exertional heatstroke during what he described as a “punishing” workout, which he believes could have been prevented. “The result here is about as severe as it gets short of death,” Carey stated in his communication with Mitchell.
According to Carey, the coaching staff at ASU neglected to adhere to the university’s heat safety protocols. He accused them of bypassing essential safeguards and suggested their actions might have been “criminally reckless.”
The ASU police department is currently conducting an investigation, and the university has already released a preliminary report on the practice. However, in response to Carey’s request, Mitchell explained that it is not prudent to conduct a separate investigation simultaneously.
Mitchell assured that her office is in close contact with ASU police and will thoroughly review the case once the police have completed their investigation. “We will review all materials related to the investigation and staff the case at the highest level,” Mitchell wrote. She added that while a new investigation might not be initiated, her office would ensure that all necessary steps are taken and evidence is gathered.
Reporting contributed by KJZZ’s Wayne Schutsky.
Read the county attorney’s letter
