Mitch Petrus: Ex-New York Giants player dies from heatstroke aged 32

Petrus won the 2012 Super Bowl with the Giants before joining the New England Patriots later that year

A heat advisory had been in effect on the day Petrus fell ill (Getty)

Mitch Petrus, a former NFL player for the New York Giants, has died from heatstroke aged 32.

The American fell ill on Thursday after working out in the heat at his family’s business in Little Rock, Arkansas. He died in hospital that evening.

A heat advisory had been in effect that day, with temperatures reaching more than 32C in Arkansas.

Pulaski County Coroner Gerone Hobbs told NBC that Petrus did not have any pre-existing conditions that contributed to his death.

Petrus won the 2012 Super Bowl with the Giants before joining the New England Patriots later that year.

In a statement, the New York Giants said: "We are saddened to hear of Mitch's passing. Our thoughts go out to Mitch's family and friends."

The University of Arkansas, where Petrus graduated from in 2009, said on Twitter: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mitch Petrus. He was an outstanding competitor, incredible teammate and a true Hog. He will be greatly missed by many. Rest easy Mitch.”

Parts of America are currently experiencing record-breaking heatwaves with temperatures surpassing 37C.