Ex-high school football player dead from cardiac arrest… four years after brother died the same way
A former high school and college football player has died at the age of 30 after suffering cardiac arrest.
Josh Cardiello died on Monday just four years after his younger brother, Jacob, also passed away from the same cause.
Cardiello, who was a three-time champion with Buford High School in Georgia, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at around 5:30am local on Monday morning while playing basketball.
His father, Jay, announced the devastating news in a heartbreaking post on social media as he called for greater advocacy in the wake of losing both his sons to the tragic medical emergency.
‘His loss was completely unexpected and has left our family, friends, and colleagues heartbroken,’ Jay wrote, paying tribute to his son, Josh.
After graduating high school and college, Josh worked for Amgen, a biotechnology company focused on developing medications for serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease.
Josh Cardiello died on Monday just four years after his younger brother Jacob also passed away from a cardiac arrest
Josh was a three-time champion with Buford High School in Georgia before going on to play collegiate football at Georgia and the University of Tennessee
His father explained that, following the loss of his brother to sudden cardiac arrest in 2021, Josh had ‘dedicated his professional life to honoring Jacob’s memory through meaningful, patient-focused work.’
‘He was deeply passionate about the pharmaceutical industry and the purposeful work he did informing and supporting healthcare professionals,’ Jay explained.
‘He was a true patient advocate, especially committed to serving patients living with cardiovascular disease. Josh understood firsthand the burden these diseases place on patients and families.’
He added: ‘His commitment, integrity, and compassion defined who he was—both personally and professionally.
‘Josh will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact he had on those he worked with and the patients he served.’
After losing both his sons to sudden cardiac arrest, Jay explained that he will raise greater awareness, advocating for national mandated genetic testing at birth and scheduled childhood heart screenings.
‘I so appreciate your thoughts and prayers,’ he wrote. ‘I will channel my grief and pain into honoring my beloved sons Josh and Jacob and advocate for national mandated genetic testing at birth, scheduled heart screening throughout childhood and any innovations and advancements for effective cardiovascular treatments!’
Josh is survived by his wife, Allison (pictured left), and his young daughter, Amelia
Josh, who was described as ‘a big giant Teddy Bear with a heart of gold’, had been a standout high school football star before graduating from Buford High School in 2013.
He went on to receive a full scholarship to play for the Georgia Bulldogs at collegiate level before wrapping up his football career as a third-year starter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
After graduating from the University of Tennessee in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree, he even participated in Rookie Camp with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Josh is survived by his wife, Allison, and his young daughter, Amelia. A funeral service will be held on January 10 to honor his life.
