> At a Glance
> – Josh Cardiello, 30, collapsed and died while playing basketball Monday morning
> – His younger brother Jacob, 23, suffered the same fatal cardiac arrest in 2021
> – Why it matters: Family now pushes for nationwide heart screenings and genetic testing after losing both sons to sudden cardiac arrest
A 30-year-old biomedical tech specialist and father died suddenly on a Georgia basketball court Monday, reopening a family’s heartbreak four years after his brother’s identical fate.
The Fatal Morning
Jay Cardiello announced on social media that his son Josh suffered cardiac arrest during a routine pickup game. The episode struck without warning, leaving behind a wife, child, and co-workers at Amgen.
> “His loss was completely unexpected and has left our family, friends, and colleagues heartbroken,” Jay wrote.
A Second Devastation
Josh’s death mirrors the 2021 loss of Jacob Cardiello, who also died from sudden cardiac arrest. After Jacob’s death, Josh redirected his career toward patient-focused biomedical work to honor his brother.
> “Following the loss of his younger brother… Josh dedicated his professional life to honoring Jacob’s memory,” the father’s post stated.
Legacy and Advocacy
The family urges supporters to trade flowers for donations to Who We Play For, a nonprofit supplying heart screenings to student-athletes regardless of income or location.
Jay Cardiello plans to channel grief into policy change:
- National mandated genetic testing at birth
- Scheduled pediatric heart screenings
- Expanded cardiovascular treatment research
Athletic Roots
Josh’s obituary from Flanigan Funeral Home paints the picture of a gentle giant: “a big Teddy Bear with a heart of gold.”
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Graduated Buford High School, three-time football champ |
| 2017 | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga degree, 3-year starter |
| Post-college | Rookie camp with Tampa Bay Buccaneers, lifelong fan |
A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, in Buford.
Key Takeaways
- Two brothers, Jacob (2021) and Josh (2025), both died of sudden cardiac arrest
- Josh worked at Amgen, focusing on patient-centered biomedical technology
- Family requests donations to Who We Play For for youth heart screenings
- Father Jay campaigns for nationwide genetic and cardiac testing protocols
The Cardiello family now turns double tragedy into a public mission to prevent similar sudden losses across the country.
