Villager Daryl Priestley loved the game of softball, said his Thunder manager Terry Penrod said.
Sixty-two-year-old Priestley, who was affectionately nicknamed “Elvis,” died Thursday on the field at Saddlebrook Softball Complex. Penrod had been coaching third base and Priestley was on base. But suddenly, Priestley dropped to his knees.
Fellow players tried to revive him with no luck. Emergency crews arrived, but also were unsuccessful at reviving the fallen player, Penrod said.
Priestley’s death has saddened the tight-knit Villages softball community.
But when softball play was abruptly ended Saturday afternoon due to the 95-degree-heat-index rule, many enraged softball players said it was a case of overreaction by the Villages Recreation Department.
Now, Villages Director of Recreation John Rohan sent the following update to Amenity Authority Committee members and Village Center Community Development District:
I want to inform board members of a situation that occurred this past week at Saddlebrook Softball Complex.
On Thursday, September 5th, I was alerted a resident had suffered a massive heart attack and subsequently died during a recreation softball league. In reviewing the incident, the temperature was 92 degrees with a heat index of 105.
While not a medical expert I was concerned about what transpired.
The current department’s inclement weather guidelines for all activities calls for suspension of recreation sponsored leagues when actual temperature reaches 95 degrees. This change took place in 2011 when the guidelines previously utilized a 95 heat index. Since that time the heat has been an ongoing challenge for staff, volunteer umpires, score keepers and some players.
As a result of my review of the incident, and for the health, safety and welfare of all the individuals
involved in the program, I initiated a reinstatement of the 95 degree heat index guidelines. While examples of other policies have been provided to staff and board members which indicate the 95 degree air temperature is too low, we have also researched and found other policies/procedures that use it or a variation of the heat index.
However, the ultimate goal is the well being of all participants and employees.
I did recognize this immediate decision could impact the remainder of current recreation leagues, not just
softball, for some afternoon games in September. Since the change the District has received numerous emails and contacts from those in opposition and those in support of the change.
While there may still be a few weeks left of higher heat indexes, I am going to reinstate the 95 degree
temperature guideline. However, it is my intent to thoroughly review the future spring/summer season to determine what is beneficial and in the best health interest for sponsored outside fields and courts recreational activities. Staff will be meeting with activity reps and volunteers to review a heat guideline that takes into consideration safety for all involved with our sponsored programs. In addition, we plan on bringing in health professionals to work with staff and the representatives so everyone can fully understand the potential challenges in determining the appropriate policy which affects not only the players but the volunteers and staff as well. I will also be including Deb Franklin, HR Director, in light of the potential OSHA and Risk Management impacts.
Please understand this change was in response to not only the unfortunate incident last week but also comments and concerns expressed by many before this event and the concern for the health, welfare and safety of so many.
I will be more than glad to address any questions from you at the AAC, VCCDD and SLCDD meetings this and next week.
In the meantime if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me directly so we can discuss the issue more fully.
John B. Rohan
Director of Recreation
Players maintain that at the very least they should be able to make decisions for themselves.
“I myself am in no hurry to leave this mortal realm. However, I would much rather pass while rounding the bases than rotting in a nursing home. We should all be responsible for ourselves and our own choices. We need our amenities managed, not our lives,” said Villager and fellow softball player Al DuBuc.
You can read Daryl Priestley’s obituary at the link below:
http://villages-news.com/daryl-priestley/
