Dick Partridge, RIP

SBINSIDER REPORTING| January 26th, 2025

Long time tennis player and resident of SaddleBrooke, Dick Partridge passed away Wednesday, the 23rd. He was 85.

A fit player, Mr. Partridge died after sustaining injuries from a fall on the tennis courts.  According to his fellow players, “He stumbled and fell as he chased down a shot behind the baseline, falling headfirst into the corner support post.”

After transfer to Banner Medical Center, it was determined he had multiple serious injuries. He was put on life support and in consultation with family members, it was decided to remove life support.

Dick is survived by his wife Patsy and two sons.

The members of the tennis club expressed a heartfelt sense of loss. “Dick has been a fixture at the tennis club, playing with several groups each week and always supporting the growth of tennis,” said one member, another stated “Dick always welcomed new members and invited them to play.”

While injuries are common in court sports, severe or life threatening injuries are very rare. According to NIH, death on court can be due to a heart attack or heat stroke, or as in Mr. Partridge’s case, an impact injury from a fall or being struck by a racket. The most recent statistics revealed a 1 in 20 million chance of dying playing tennis.  

In fact, multiple studies show a huge benefit to players. According to the Harvard Health Publishing website, researchers determined that racket sports were associated with the highest (47%) reduction in the risk of dying from any cause, followed by swimming (28%), aerobics (27%), and cycling (15%). The two other activities considered—running and soccer—weren’t associated with a significant decline in risk.

Requiescat in pace, Dick Partridge. 
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Joe Cucchiella
Joe Cucchiella
14 days ago

Dick was always a kind and pleasant person to be around. Regarding his tennis he was a spin master, always seemingly putting a variety of spins on his shots. It always kept you on your toes and made for very interesting tennis. Condolences to his family. RIP Dick.

Miles
Miles
14 days ago
Reply to  Joe Cucchiella

Joe, ask who wrote this article. Miss information. I had great interactions with him. His family should make this statement not someone with good intentions but not the correct information.This forum can be a problem at times. You should alway have a name behind the comments
Miles here

Miles
Miles
14 days ago

Who ever made this statement didn’t have the the family involved. Accounts of this incident do not reflect what happened. Be careful relating information like this when you don’t know the facts. I guess this is blindless bloodog.