His father has called for major change

A FORMER high school football star has died after suffering a cardiac arrest.

This death comes just four years after the football star’s brother died the same way.

Josh Cardiello and his brother Jake

Josh Cardiello died on Monday, January 5, aged 30.

Cardiello previously attended and played football for Buford High School in Buford, Georgia.

The high school football star was a three-time champion with Buford.

His father, Jay Cardiello, announced the news on social media.

He explained that his son suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at around 5:30 am on Monday morning.

Cardiello was playing basketball at the time of his death.

His younger brother Jacob also died after a cardiac arrest in 2021.

Since then, Cardiello dedicated himself to honoring his brother’s legacy.

His father has led the tributes to the high school football star.

“His loss was completely unexpected and has left our family, friends, and colleagues heartbroken,” Jay Cardiello wrote.

“Josh will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact he had on those he worked with and the patients he served.”

He has also explained that he will advocate for national mandated genetic testing at birth and scheduled childhood heart screenings.

Cardiello has been described as a “big giant Teddy Bear with a heart of gold” in an obituary from Flanigan Funeral Home & Crematory.

He received a full college scholarship to play for the Georgia Bulldogs.

The high school football star was a third-year starter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Cardiello also participated in Rookie Camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A celebration of Josh’s life will be held on Saturday, January 10 in Buford.

His family has asked that donations are made to the non-profit Who We Play For, who provide heart health screenings for student athletes.