Heartbreaking new update on Blues prospect Matthew Mayich’s condition

The news surrounding St. Louis Blues prospect Matthew Mayich has grown more dire with each passing day since the 21-year-old defenseman collapsed during a preseason workout at Arizona State on August 20. But the latest clarification from his family's legal representative has made the situation even more heartbreaking than initially reported.

Robert Carey, a former deputy chief attorney general of Arizona now representing the Mayich family through the law firm Hagens Berman, had already stated that the young player has "zero chance of recovery." Now, Carey has gone further, explaining that referring to Mayich as being in a coma is no longer an accurate description of his condition.

"A coma indicates deep unconsciousness and recovery is possible," Carey said. "His body ceased functioning in a fundamental way, and this condition is irreversible."

The terrifying precision of that language leaves little room for ambiguity. Mayich remains hospitalized in critical condition, and the outlook is as bleak as it could possibly be.

Mayich collapsed during what has been described as a "military-style" outdoor training session at Sun Angel Stadium, reportedly led by Tim Ziesel, a 39-year-old former military service member who is not an ASU employee. Head coach Greg Powers allegedly requested that Ziesel run the session, which was scheduled as the first of three consecutive days of workouts under his direction.

Players who spoke with Carey described the roughly 50 to 60 minute session as grueling and hostile. The exercises reportedly included sprints, planks, pushups, and bear crawls, all performed in temperatures around 86 degrees Fahrenheit with 51 percent humidity and no wind. According to those accounts, Ziesel restricted water intake based on effort levels and told athletes not to complain.

Ziesel's attorney, Buddy Rake, has pushed back on those characterizations, calling the session more of a team-building exercise. Carey labeled those claims "fictional" and part of a "false narrative."

According to the National Weather Service, the conditions that morning would have warranted 15 minutes of break for every hour of physical activity. Tempe Fire Medical Rescue crews were called to the stadium at 8:31 a.m. for a heat-related illness.

Carey has also sharply criticized Arizona State's handling of the aftermath, accusing the university of "circling the wagons" and calling for coaching staff to be placed on administrative leave during the review process. ASU athletic director Graham Rossini has emphasized that the school is conducting a "review" rather than a formal investigation, a distinction that has drawn scrutiny.

Mayich was selected by the Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft, 170th overall. He had transferred to Arizona State after spending his freshman year at Clarkson University.

Most importantly, the focus remains on Matthew, his family, and the growing questions about accountability and player safety that this tragedy has brought into sharp relief.