Teal MP Sophie Scamps has been forced to apologise after being accused of linking the death of National Rugby League (NRL) player Keith Titmuss to climate change. Scamps represents Mackellar on Sydney’s northern beaches, and will be defending a 3.3 percent margin at the federal election on May 3. In an interview, Scamps apologised for her comments after she copped criticism for implying a link between climate change and Titmuss’s death. “If there’s any distress or upset, that was never my intention at all,” when asked what she would say to the family on 2GB. “Our community was heartbroken for their family, and [my] deep apologies if she is upset.” The controversy stems from remarks made by Scamps at a Doctors for the Environment Australia event, where she suggested that “lethal humidity” may have been a contributing factor in the death of the rugby player. Titmuss died following a training session on a humid day when temperatures reached 33°C. “The Rugby league player died from heat stress after a training session,” Scamps said at the event. “That sort of lethal humidity is something that the medical fraternity is getting more and more concerned about.” She noted that medical professionals are increasingly worried about the increase in both heat and humidity. She is now facing a challenge from Liberal candidate James Brown at the federal election. Brown, a former Australian army officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, recently launched his campaign with the support of Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and former Prime Minister John Howard. Brown has also held senior positions in various organisations, including Chief Executive Officer of the Space Industry Association of Australia and Chairman of Invictus Australia. “Now, James is ready to represent Mackellar. As a father and first-time homeowner, he understands the pressures families face — especially with rising costs.” If elected, Brown is promising to spend $250 million to upgrade Mona Vale Road, $1 million for an upgrade to Avalon Beach, and $4.5 million to renovate Newport Surf Lifesaving Club.