The Athletic reported Wednesday that the Arizona State University Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse of ASU defenseman Matthew Mayich during a workout Aug. 20.
From the report:
One said the law enforcement agency is assessing whether any criminal acts occurred and said this investigation is separate from the “review” the university has said it is conducting. The other said police have begun the process of reaching out to players.
Mayich family attorney Rob Carey told The Athletic that the separate police investigation, which is in addition and separate from ASU’s internal review, is a “step in the right direction.”
“But there are standards for doing this properly,” his statement read, according to The Athletic. “Collect and preserve evidence, including what might have been deleted; use subpoenas and warrants; get unfettered access to university systems; interview witnesses separately and protect them from retaliation; and be transparent about the process and the findings. So long as those standards are followed and the lead investigator can act independently, we support it.”
ESPN also published a story about the incident Wednesday in which Carey provided additional details about what he said caused Mayich’s condition.
From ESPN:
“This injury is from exertional heat stroke that caused a lack of oxygen to the brain,” attorney Rob Carey said. “There were no other contributing conditions, only exertion-related heat. This is not an induced coma. We need a miracle.”
Defenseman Matthew Mayich has been hospitalized since collapsing during an outdoor workout on Aug. 20, the first day the NCAA allowed hockey teams to hold formal activities. Mayich had only arrived on campus that week, Carey said.
“He didn’t last one day. It was the first day of coach-led practice,” Carey said.
Mayich was disoriented and dizzy before collapsing toward the end of the workout, which lasted over an hour and had “minimal water,” according to Carey.