ARIZONA STATE HOCKEY FAMILY QUESTIONS COACH'S MISSING PHONE

Matthew Mayich, a Canadian defenceman at Arizona State University, suffered exertional heat stroke after collapsing during an outdoor team workout on 20 August, according to his family's lawyer. He was hospitalised with severe brain injuries and remains in a coma, and his family continues to hope for his recovery. Nearly seven weeks later, the family's attorney, Leonard Aragon, has questioned the whereabouts of a mobile phone used by head coach Greg Powers during the session. Powers, who was present at and reportedly arranged the workout, was placed on paid administrative leave on 30 September.

In a letter dated 3 October to the university's general counsel, Lisa Loo, Aragon asked why the phone had not been secured and what had happened to it, including whether it had been wiped, reset, traded in or recycled. He wrote that the timing and circumstances raise serious concerns that relevant evidence has been destroyed. The family understands Powers replaced the phone after receiving death threats following Mayich's collapse. Aragon condemned the threats but questioned why Powers needed to replace the device rather than simply change his number. "We don't condone (death threats)," Aragon said. "The problem with that is you don't replace your phone, you replace your phone number."

Aragon has asked the university to explain what steps have been taken to recover any data if the phone was disposed of. Arizona State University has not publicly detailed its response to the letter. Powers' absence from a recent team game has also been reported separately. Mayich's family continues to await further information as his recovery and the inquiry into the coach's phone both remain ongoing.