Forty-three days after Matthew Mayich collapsed during an Arizona State hockey workout, questions remain. The 21-year-old has remained hospitalized since that August session. Arizona State has now agreed to an independent investigation into what happened.

His family attorney, Rob Carey, says Mayich remains unresponsive and unlikely to recover. Doctors have attributed his condition to severe exertional heat stroke. The injury caused a lack of oxygen reaching his brain. His family, however, continues hoping for a miracle.

Former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales will lead the review. The university says he will examine information from several involved parties.

That includes Mayich’s family, team members, and law enforcement agencies. Bales is expected to make recommendations about future athletic safety procedures. The university wants the review completed by December.

The investigation follows growing pressure from several directions. Mayich’s parents demanded answers after their son’s collapse. Seven Arizona State hockey players also challenged the university’s initial findings. Their attorney submitted a 26-page letter to university president Michael Crow.

The players raised concerns about workout conditions and emergency preparations. They also said they feared possible retaliation from coaching staff.

Players’ Concerns Have Put The Workout Under Fresh Scrutiny

The disputed workout happened outdoors on August 20 in Arizona. Players described difficult conditions during the training session. Their letter said temperatures reached 104 degrees that afternoon.

They also questioned whether enough water was available during breaks. According to the players, Mayich struggled to reach the water. He was then pushed into another exercise almost immediately.

The players also questioned emergency preparations at the workout. They alleged that no cooling tub was available nearby. They said required emergency equipment was also missing. Ziesel’s attorney has disputed neither the need for investigation nor review. He has also offered to meet Mayich’s family privately.

Arizona State’s account differs from several player allegations. The university reported lower temperatures during the workout. It placed conditions between 86 and 89 degrees. Reported humidity ranged between 51% and 46%. The school said an athletic trainer evaluated Mayich after collapse. She used cool water and iced towels on him. She then called emergency services and moved him toward shade.

The conflicting accounts have intensified calls for outside scrutiny. Mayich’s family attorney welcomed the independent investigation. However, he questioned who should ultimately receive Bales’ findings. He wants the investigator reporting directly to Arizona’s Board of Regents. He also called for the findings to become publicly available.

The controversy has already affected Arizona State’s hockey program. Head coach Greg Powers was placed on administrative leave. Assistant coach Mike Corbett temporarily led the team afterward. The university plans to appoint an interim head coach. Arizona State police are also conducting an ongoing investigation.

For Mayich’s family, the situation remains painfully personal. His mother recently described their experience as taking things day-by-day. She remembered how excited Matthew had been about Arizona State. The facilities had impressed him before joining the program. He had only recently arrived from Hamilton, Ontario. He had been around Arizona for just eight days.

Now, his family waits beside a hospital bed. Their attorney says recovery is not expected. Still, his parents continue holding onto hope. Christina has asked people to keep Matthew in their prayers. Meanwhile, the independent investigation will examine what happened that day. For everyone involved, its findings could answer difficult questions.