How did Mike Leach die? Mississippi State fooball coach didn't get medical attention for 10 to 15 minutes

Later, a defibrillator was reportedly used on the coach by EMTs to restore normal heart rhythm

UPDATED DEC 13, 2022

Mike Leach, 61, died suffering from a massive heart attack (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI: Mississippi State head football coach Mike Leach died at age 61 on December 12 after complications related to a heart condition. The coach had suffered a 'massive' heart attack and was in critical condition on Sunday, December 11. He was airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson.

During his treatment, he suffered from heart condition complications which led to his death at the hospital on Monday, said reports. UMMC announced the death of Leach on December 13, morning. "Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father, and grandfather. He was able to participate in organ donation at UMMC as a final act of charity. We are supported and uplifted by the outpouring of love and prayers from family, friends, Mississippi State University, the hospital staff, and football fans around the world. Thank you for sharing in the joy of our beloved husband and father's life," read the statement by the coach's family.

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As per the Daily Mail on Sunday, the coach collapsed at his home in Starkville. However, between 10 and 15 minutes, he did not receive medical attention, and later, a defibrillator was used on the coach by EMTs to restore normal heart rhythm, according to the Mississippi Clarion Ledger. At the Oktibbeha County Hospital, he was stabilized, and then he was airlifted to Jackson by helicopter.

Mike Leach the head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field on October 15, 2022 in Lexington, Kentucky. — Leach was initially taken to Oktibbeha County Hospital, where he was stabilized, before being transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, which is located roughly 125 miles away from his home in Jackson, by helicopter. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The longtime football coach joined Mississippi State in 2020. With a record of 19-17, he led the team over three seasons. This season, the team finished 8-4 and is currently ranked No.22 in the country. On January 2, 2023, the team will face Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida.

As a coach, he became a nationally popular figure at Texas Tech. With a record of 84-83 over 10 seasons, he coached the team from 2000 to 2009. In 2008, Leach was voted as the American Football Coaches Association national coach of the year and ten years later he won the award again in 2018, reports ABC News.

Leach took over coaching Washington State after Texas Tech. For 8 seasons, he took 55-47. With an 11-2 winning record, the Cougars ended the season in the Alamo Bowl. During the season, Leach ended at No. 10, his career's highest year-ender ranking.

Leach was married to Sharon for over 30 years and the couple shared four children - Janeen, Kimberly, Cody, and Kiersten. According to the Daily Mail, Leach was battling pneumonia this season and at times he was seen coughing throughout press conferences. However, as per those working with him, Leach was getting better.

Known for his comedic interactions at news conferences, ABC News reports that in 2018, when Leach was asked by ESPN how he wishes to be remembered in his obituary, he answered "Well, that's their problem, they're the ones writing the obituary. I mean, what do I care? I'm dead."