Former NFL lineman Mitch Petrus has died from heat stroke, officials said. He was 32 years old.
Petrus, who played at the University of Arkansas before going on to play professionally, was rushed to Baptist Health Medical Center-North Little Rock on July 18, Pulaski County Coroner Gerone Hobbs told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
He passed away at 10:45 p.m. from heat-related illness.
Petrus complained of feeling sick after working outside and in his family’s shop during the day, according to Hobbs. His official cause of death was heat stroke.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mitch Petrus,” The University of Arkansas football team said in a statement. “He was an outstanding competitor, incredible teammate and a true Hog. He will be greatly missed by many. Rest easy Mitch.”
Chad Morris, head coach at the university, added, “Really powerful seeing how many people Mitch impacted in his life. Our hearts go out to his friends and family. Rest in Peace, Mitch.
Petrus played in the NFL after being chosen in the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He played in the 2011 Giants Super Bowl win before being released by the team in 2012 and returning to Arkansas in 2013, according to the Democrat-Gazette.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mitch Petrus. He was an outstanding competitor, incredible teammate and a true Hog. He will be greatly missed by many. Rest easy Mitch. pic.twitter.com/pMToZaWmc3
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) July 19, 2019
Really powerful seeing how many people Mitch impacted in his life.
Our hearts go out to his friends and family. Rest in Peace, Mitch. https://t.co/bUCIyYUGtf— Chad Morris (@coachchadmorris) July 19, 2019
Heat Wave Warning
The National Weather Service said that there were a number of heat-related warnings and advisories across the Eastern United States ahead of what’s forecast to be a very hot weekend.
Excessive heat warnings were issued for cities including Kansas City, Louisville, and New York, with similar warnings and heat advisories issued for large swaths of the country from central Kansas and east to the coast.
South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and North Carolina were among the states warnings or advisories were issued for.
Look at the impressive and widespread coverage of #heat related warnings and advisories across the Eastern two-thirds of the country. The hazy, hot and humid conditions will persist through the weekend. Be smart and stay cool! #HeatSafety pic.twitter.com/hemIJ79rOr
— National Weather Service (@NWS) July 18, 2019
One such warning in Maryland warned people that an excessive heat warning was in effect on Friday until 9 p.m. in addition to an excessive heat watch being in effect for both Saturday and Sunday.
The heat index values would get close to 110 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, potentially reaching 115 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, the service said.
“Dangerously high temperatures and humidity could quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke if precautions are not taken,” it warned.
