Dick Wertheim

Richard Wertheim (c. 1923 – September 15, 1983) was an American tennis linesman who suffered a fatal injury on September 10, 1983, during a match at the 1983 US Open.[1] His fatal injury occurred after Stefan Edberg sent an errant serve directly into his groin.[2] Wertheim had been sitting in a chair and officiating at the center line when the blow knocked him backwards. He fell out of the chair and onto the hardcourt surface, striking his head.[3] He had a history of chronic cardiovascular disease having had a heart attack and stroke at age 40 years.[4]

Wertheim was unconscious when he was taken to Flushing Hospital and Medical Center. He died on September 15.[5] His family sued the United States Tennis Association for $2.25 million.[6] In an opinion suggesting that the impact of the tennis ball had not been the proximate cause of his death, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York reversed a $165,000 jury award to his estate.[4]