Former US football star dead at 30, dies same way as brother did four years earlier

A former American football standout and pharmaceutical professional has died suddenly at just 30 in the same way that claimed the life of his younger brother four years earlier.

Josh Cardiello collapsed wihle playing basketball in January, with emergency services unable to revive him after he suffered sudden cardiac arrest about 5.30am.

The heartbreaking loss has sent shockwaves through his family and former sporting communities, particularly given the devastating parallel to the death of his brother, Jacob Cardiello, who died from the same condition in 2021.

Josh’s father Jay confirmed the news in a Linkedin post, describing his son’s death as “completely unexpected” and calling for urgent action to prevent similar tragedies.

“His loss has left our family, friends and colleagues heartbroken,” he wrote.

“Josh will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact he had on those around him.”

A three-time state champion at Burford High School in Georgia, Josh was widely regarded as a rising football talent before earning a full scholarship to play with the Georgia Bulldogs.

He later continued his college career as a starting player at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, before graduating in 2017.

His father wrote on Facebook that Josh had dedicated his professional advocacy, particular for those living with cardiovascular disease.

“He understood firsthand the burden these conditions place on families,” Jay said.

“His integrity, compassion and commitment defined who he was - both personally and professonaly.”

Descrbed by loved ones as a “big teddy bear with a heart of gold”, Josh is survived by his wife Allison and their young daughter Amelia.

In the wake of losing both is sons, Jay says he will now push for greater awareness and reform, including mandated genetic testing at birth and regular heart screenings throughout childhood.

A funeral service to celebrate Josh’s life was held on January 10.